graduate student call for proposal final112320

GraduateStudentProgram • February9th,2021–Proposalsaredueby12:00pm(noon)MST.

• April2021–ATechnicalReviewPanelreviewsandrecommendsproposalsforfunding.

• July2021–WesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilmakesfinalselections.

• September2021–Contractsforselectedprojectswillbeinitiated.

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TheWesternSustainableAgricultureResearchandEducation(SARE)programannouncesa CallforProposalsforGraduate StudentGrantsinSustainableAgriculturefor2021.Fundedprojectsmustcontainbothresearchandoutreachcomponentsonasustainableagriculturetopic.Outreach activitiesmayincludeon-farm/ranchdemonstrations, farmer-to-farmer educationalactivities, andother approachestoassistproduceradoptionofsustainableagriculturalpractices.Thegoalofthisprogramisto achieveresultsthatcanbecommunicatedtoproducersandprofessionals;sustainandimprovetheenvironmentalqualityandnaturalresourcebaseonwhichagriculturedepends;improvetheprofitabilityoffarmers/ranchersandassociatedagriculturalbusinesses;andenhancethequalityoflifeforfarmers/ranchersinlocalcommunities.

TheSAREgrantprogrammissionistoadvanceinnovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifeinAmericanagriculturebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.Toachievethat,WesternSAREbelievesthatourprogramsmustincludetheinvolvementofagriculturalproducersfrominceptiontofinish,andthereforewerequireproducerinvolvementintheplanning,design,implementation,andeducationaloutreachofanyfundedprojects.

Western SARE Host Institution

207 Linfield Hall Bozeman, MT 59717-2840 Phone: 406-994-4789 Email: wsare@montana.edu

Alaska,AmericanSamoa,Arizona,California,Colorado,FederatedStatesofMicronesia,Guam,Hawaii, Idaho, ,Montana,Nevada,NewMexico,NorthernMariana Islands,Oregon,Utah,Washington,Wyoming

Western SARE Competitive Grants Graduate Student

2021 Call for Proposals Submission Deadline: February 9th, 2021, 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]

Western SARE Graduate Student Proposal Application

Overview:TheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilfundsproposalsthatpresentcreativeand innovativeresearchandExtension/educationaloutreachbasedonapproachesandtechnologiesthatadvanceWestern SAREgoals(seeabove). AllWesternSAREprojectsmustcontainbothresearchandeducationcomponents.

Onlygraduatestudents(MasterorPh.D.)enrolledataccreditedcolleges oruniversitiesintheWesternregionareeligibletoapply. Atthetimeofproposalsubmission,thestudentmustbeconsideredfull-timeaccordingtotheirinstitution’srequirements. TheresearchmustbeconductedintheWesternregion.Thestudentistherecipientofthegrant,andtheymayreceiveonlyoneWesternSAREGraduateStudentGrantawardduringtheirgraduatestudies.Proposalsmustbewrittenbythestudentwhowillcoordinateandconducttheprojectwiththeguidanceoftheirmajorprofessor/advisorandagriculturalproducers.

Funding:WesternSAREGraduateStudentGrantsprovideamaximumof$30,000(includingIndirectCost)foruptotwoyears.Becauseuniversitiestypicallydonotallow studentstomanage institutional grant awards, the student’s major professor/advisor will be the

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.

PrincipalInvestigator(PI)andthegraduatestudenttheapplicant.Fundsareawardedtotheapplicant’suniversity,withthe funds tobededicatedto the student’sgraduateresearchproject.Multiplesubmissionsareaccepted.Onlyoneapplication(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&Applicant)andanAgriculturalProfessional.TheAgriculturalProfessionalmustbeindependentoftheProducerandshouldnotsubmittheapplicationonbehalfoftheProducer.

2. Professional+ProducerGrants:Theprojectteammustbeaminimumofsix(6)peopleandmustinclude:AnAgriculturalProfessional(PrincipalInvestigator&Applicant)andatleastfive(5)Producers.OneoftheproducersmustbeidentifiedastheAdvisorRepresentative.

3. ResearchandEducationGrants:Theprojectteammustbeaminimumoffive(5)peopleandmustinclude:AResearcher(PIorCo-PI),anOutreachRepresentative(PIorCo-PI),andatleastthree(3)Producers.OneoftheproducersmustbeidentifiedastheAdvisorRepresentative.

4. GraduateStudentGrants:Theprojectteammustbeaminimumofthree(3)peopleandmustinclude:AGraduateStudent(Applicant),aResearcher(PrincipalInvestigatorandtypicallytheapplicant’smajorprofessor)andatleastone(1)Producer(AdvisorRepresentative).

PublicDomain:Whileproposalsandreviewswillremainconfidential,theWesternSAREprogramconsidersallfundedproposals,subsequentreports,andrelatedinformationtobeinthepublicdomain.SeedetailsofthisstipulationinthePublicAccessofResearchDatasectioninUSDAGrantPolicies.WesternSAREwilldisqualifyproposalsbeforereviewifapplicantsdonot followtheinstructionsoftheCallforProposalsorsubmitincompleteSupportingDocuments.Itistheapplicant’sresponsibilitytoensureallsectionsoftheproposalaresubmittedbeforetheduedate.

Writing the Proposal Proposalsaresubmittedonlineathttps://projects.sare.org.Thesubmissionincludessixsections:1)acknowledgementofreadingtheCallforProposal,2)project’sbasicinformation,3 ) projectsummary, 4 ) projectnarrative,5)budgetandbudgetjustification,and6)supportingdocuments.

Youcanwriteeachportionoftheproposalinawordprocessor(e.g.,MicrosoftWord)andcopyandpasteitintothefieldsoftheonlineapplication(beawarethatsomeformattingfeaturesmightbelostwhenyoutransferthetextintheonlineform). Inadditiontotext,youcaninserttablesandgraphsinallNarrativesections.Tablesandgraphsdonotcountagainstthewordlimits,butfigures’captionsdo.Itisbesttoinserttablesasatableusingtheonlineplatformeditor(see:"InsertingTables")andnotasanimage.Followingtheseinstructionsmakesyourtextsearchableandthetextwillwrapanddisplayproperlywhenviewedondifferentdevices.Moreimportantly,itmakesyoursubmissionAmericanswithDisabilityAct(ADA)compliant.Attachmentsarepreferredinpdfformatbutimagesinjpgorpngformatsareaccepted.

PleasecheckthedocumentslocatedinProposalPreparationDocumentssectionofWesternSAREwebsitetostrengthenyourproposal.

Proposal Application A. ProjectBasicInformationThissectionpromptsforgeneralinformationabouttheprojectincluding:

• Themainsubjectmatteroftheproject• Proposedstartingandendingdates• Thestate(s)wheretheworkwillbeconducted• Thecommoditiesandpracticesoftheproposedproject

Pleasechooseastartdatethatcorrespondswiththefirst-of-the-month.StartdatesmustbenoearlierthanAugust1,2021andnolaterthanFebruary1,2022. B. Summary(Limit250words)Aclearandconcisesummary isimportantforthereviewprocess. Thesummarymustincludeabriefdescriptionoftheproblemorneed andacreativeapproachtosolvingit. Inthesummary, includethefollowing:

• Identifyaproblemandresearch question(s)• Describetheresearchandoutreachcomponentsandexplainhowyourprojectwill

creativelyaddresstheidentifiedproblem • Explainhowyourprojectwillbedisseminatedamongagriculturalstakeholders• Enumerateanddescribetheexpectedprojectoutcomes.

C. ProjectNarrative Theprojectnarrativeincludesthefollowingsections: 1 ) RelevancetoSustainableAgricultureandProjectValueandBenefits,2)StakeholderNeedsandSupport,3)Project

Team,4)ResearchPlan,5)EducationalPlan,6)Timeline,and7)EvaluationandProducerAdoption.

RelevancetoSustainableAgriculture,ProjectValueandBenefits:(15%ofreviewcriteria,maximum1000words)Explainwhythisprojectisnecessaryandhowitaddressesacriticalneedinsustainableagriculture. Identifyanylimitationsinthecurrentsystemandhowyourprojectwilladdressthem.Citeevidenceofneed,includingresultsandrecommendationsfromrelatedSAREprojects(www.sare.org/Project-Reports)andotherstudiesorreports.Theproposalmustaddresshowitwill:• 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,maximum500words)WesternSAREiscommittedtoaddressingtheneedsofagriculturalstakeholders-both on-farm/ranch and off-farm/ranch.Proposalsmustincludeevidencethatstakeholders’identifiedneedsarebeingaddressed,aswellassupportfortheprojectbeyondthecollaborators.Describinganddocumentingstakeholders’needsandsupportdemonstratesthattheproposedprojectisrelevantandtimely.Evidenceofstakeholderidentifiedneedsandsupportmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

• Recommendationsfromstakeholdergroupssuchasgrowerorganizationsorcommoditycommissions.Pleaseidentifystakeholdergroup(s)ororganization(s).

• Referencesandcitationstootherstudies/reportsthatencouragefutureresearch.• Communitysupportlettersfromneighboringfarmersoralocalco-op.• Needsassessmentsthatrelatetotheprojecttopic(s),iftheyareavailable.

ProjectTeam(5%ofthereviewcriteria)Theprojectteammustbeaminimumofthree(3)peopleandmustinclude:AGraduateStudent(Applicant),aResearcher(PrincipalInvestigatorandtypicallytheapplicant’smajorprofessor)andatleastone(1)Producer.Describetheproducer’sinvolvementatallstagesoftheproject.Foreachprojectobjectiveandactivity,indicatewhowillberesponsibleandwhichteammemberswillbeinvolved.

• GraduateStudent:Isastudentenrolledinapost-graduatedegreeprogram.• PrincipalInvestigator:ThePrincipalInvestigator(PI)isresponsiblefor

coordinatingtheprojectandcarryingoutitscontractualprovisions.ThePIisresponsibleforallexpendituresandforachievingthestatedresearchandeducationobjectives.

• Producer:Nonprofitfarmoperationsmayparticipateintheproject,butdonotcountasoneoftherequiredproducers.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,maximum2000words)ThemissionofSAREistoadvance“innovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.”Clearlystateanddefinetheresearchobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreachobjective,describewhatwillbedoneincludingmethodsandmaterials.Whattreatmentsornewtechnique(s)willbetested?Whatmaterialswillbeused?Describetheprojectsite,researchdesign,datacollectionandanalysismethods.Includesufficientdetailsothatreviewerscandetermineiftheapproachesaresuitabletoachieveyourobjectives.Avoidtheuseofjargonthatmaybeunfamiliaroutsideyourindustryorspecialtyareaanddefineallacronyms.EducationPlan (30%ofreviewcriteria,maximum2000words)

Clearlystateanddefinetheeducationalobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreachobjective,describetheoutreachactivitiesincludingmethodsandmaterials.Describehow,when,andwhereyouwillconductoutreachactivities(e.g.,fielddays,demonstrations,workshops,presentations,websites,etc.).Describewhowillyoutarget(e.g.,producers,stakeholders,otheragriculturalprofessionals,students,etc.).Explainhowyouwillcommunicateyourproject’sfindingstoproducers(specifically)andthegeneralpublic.Iftheproducersoragprofessionalsyouintendtoreachthroughthisprojectarefromunderservedcommunities,pleasedescribehowyouintendtoreachandengagethem.(Underservedcommunitiesarethosethathavedifficultiesaccessingopportunitiesduetolanguage,cultural,location,orresourcebarriers.)Providealistofeducationalresources(e.g.,factsheets,PowerPointpresentations,handouts,brochures,4-Hpublications,surveys,etc.)youplantoproduce.Describeplansforanyscholarlyoutputs(e.g.,academicjournalsandconferences,departmentalseminars,capstoneprojects,classroompresentations).Digitaloutcomes(e.g.,podcasts,videos,blogs,web-basedmaterials,andsocialmedia)areencouragedbutshouldnotbethesoleoutreachapproach.Multiplecommunicationmaterialsandmultiplecommunicationstylesarestronglysuggested.PropercitationofWesternSAREisrequiredineducationalmaterialsandactivities.InformationpertainingtocitingWesternSAREwillbeincludedintheSubawardAgreement.Timeline (5%ofreviewcriteria,maximum500words)Provideatimeline,suchasaGanttChartforaccomplishingeachobjectiveoftheResearchPlanandEducationPlan. Identifythemajor milestonesandactivitiesthatwillbecompletedandwheneachofthosemilestoneswilloccur.EvaluationandProducerAdoption: (5%ofreviewcriteria,maximum500words)Explainhowtheproject’sresearchandeducationalobjectiveswillbeevaluated.Forexample,describehowchangesinproducers’knowledge,awareness,attitudes,andadoptionofpracticeswillbemeasured(e.g.,apre-postsurvey).Applicantsshoulddescribetheirsurveyselection/developmentprocessandmethodsforanalysis.AnapprovedWSARESurveyisexpectedtobefilledoutbyparticipantsateachoutreachactivityinadditiontoanyotherevaluationform.WesternSARErequiresevaluationresultsfromtheaforementionedsurveyaspartoftherequiredreports.Iftheevaluationwillincludeadditionalsurveysorforms,applicantsmustincludeapprovalfromanInstitutionalReviewBoard(IRB)oradocumentindicatingthattheIRBprocesshasbeeninitiated.ThisisaUSDA-NIFArequirement.FormoreinformationonIRBrequirements,e-mailwsare@montana.edu;MontanaStateUniversitycanassistyouwiththisrequirement.D. BudgetandJustification(5%ofreviewcriteria)ProvideadetailedbudgetandbudgetjustificationthatareappropriatetotheproposedprojectusingtheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetfoundontheonlineapplicationsite,

Budgetsection.ApplicantsMUSTusethisdocumentforbudgetsubmission;nootherbudgetdocumentwillbeaccepted.Pleasenote,youwillbeaskedtoentertheTOTALfundsrequested;thisamountmustmatchthetotalfundsindicatedontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetdocument.Ifyourinstitutionwillbeissuingsubawardstootherinstitutions/organizationsasapartofyourproposedproject,youarerequiredtoprovideadetailedbudgetandjustificationforeachsubaward.SubawardbudgetsMUSTbesubmittedontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforSubawards.Youmayaskthesubawardrecipient(s)tofillouttheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforSubawardsoryoumayfillitoutontheirbehalfusingdetailstheyhaveprovidedtoyou.Theapplicationneedstoincludebothyourinstitution’sWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetandthoseofanysubawardstobeissued.GraduateStudentGrantfundsmustbebudgetedinthefollowingcategories:• SalariesandBenefits:compensatingyou(student)andotheremployees(including

otherstudents)ofyourinstitutionforperformingworkdirectlyrelatedtotheproject.Providebasesalary,FTEs,fringebenefitrates,andsalary/benefitsamountsrequested.CompensationtothePI(majorprofessor/advisor)isdiscouraged.

• Subawards:includespayingprojectcollaboratorswhoarenotatyourinstitutionand/ortocovercostsassociatedwiththesubrecipient’sportionoftheproposedproject.

• ContractedServices:includespayingforprofessionalservicessuchastestingandanalysisservices,surveydevelopmentandadministration,computationalservices,websitedevelopmentormaintenance,professionalproductionservices(e.g.,videographertoproduceeducationalelectronicmedia),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.Pleasenote,travelperdiemsandmileageneedtocorrelatewithyourorganization'sapprovedrates.Ifnorateisavailable,pleaseusetheFederalGovernmentratelistedontheDepartmentofStatewebsite.Note:foreigntravelistypicallyNOTallowedundertheSAREprogramexceptincaseswheresufficientjustificationhasbeenprovidedanditwasapprovedWesternSARE.Allforeigntravelmustbedirectlyrelatedtotheproject,mustbeessentialforprojectcompletion,andwelljustified(i.e.,explainwhy

thisactivitycannotbedoneintheUSA,relevancetoWesternagriculturesustainability,provideforeigninstitutionandcolleaguesqualifications,etc.).TheFreelyAssociatedStates-FederatedStatesofMicronesia,MarshallIslands,andPalau-areforeigncountries.USDA-NIFArequiresthatforeigntravelsbedoneinanU.S.flagaircarrier.

• Rent:includespayingforfeesassociatedwithrentingequipment,land,facilities(e.g.,meetingrooms,labspace)anduserfees.

• RepairsandMaintenance:includespayingforminorrepairsandmaintenanceofequipment,facilities,etc.,includingservicecontractsforrepairsandmaintenance.

• Participant/TraineeSupport:includespayingforcostsassociatedwithconference,workshop,orsymposiumforparticipantswhoarenotemployeesoftheapplicantorasubawardrecipientinstitution(s).Participant/TraineeSupportcostsareassociatedwitheducationalprojectsthatsupporttrainees.Participants/Traineescanreceiveasetamountforparticipationintheabovestatedfunctions.Participant/Traineetravelexpensesmustbeitemized(notalumpsumpayment)andincludedintheTravelbudgetcategory.

• CapitalEquipment:Definedasasingle,autonomouspieceofequipmentthatcosts$5,000ormoreandhasausefullifeofmorethanoneyear.CapitalEquipmentpurchasesaregenerallynotallowedundertheSAREprogramandshouldbeessentialforthecompletionoftheproposedactivities.Equipmentexpensesbeyond$5,000maybeleveragedbynonWSAREfunds.Purchasingmultiplecomponentsofsingleequipmentthatcostunder$5,000eachinanattempttocircumventthe$5,000capisnotallowed.Equipmentunder$5,000isallowed.

• FacilitiesandAdministrative(F&A)Costs,alsoreferredtoasIndirectCosts(IDCs):UndertheSAREprogram,NIFAstatesIDCsmaynotexceed10%oftheTotalFederalFundsAwarded(TFFA);thiscalculatestoroughly11.111%ofTotalDirectCosts(TDC).Note:the10%limitisacapontheportionofanapplicant’sbudgetthatmayberequestedforIDCs;itisnotanIDCrate.Additionally,someinstitutionsmaynotbeeligibletorequestIDCsormaybelimitedtothe10%deminimisrate.YoumustindicatetherateyouareusingontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet.DetailedinformationaboutIndirectCostsratesandcalculationscanbefoundontheWesternSAREwebsite.

MoreinformationabouteachbudgetcategoryisprovidedontheBudgetCategoriesandGuidancetabfoundontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet.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(graduatestudent’smajorprofessor/advisor)isresponsibleforallexpendituresandforadvisingtheapplicantachievethestatedresearchandeducationalobjectives.ThisformmustbesignedbythePIandthePI’sAuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative.Foracollegeoruniversity,thispersonisusuallytheDirectoroftheSponsoredProgramsOffice.Non-profitsorotherorganizations,thisistypicallytheExecutiveDirector,CEOorCFO.ThisformisavailableattheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposal. CurrentVita:ThePI,graduatestudent,andallotherprojectteammembersmustsubmitacurrentvita(maximum2-pagesforeachmember).Avitaisnotrequiredforproducers. LettersofCooperationfromProducer(s): Eachproducerwhoispartoftheprojectteammust sendadatedandsignedletterofcooperationtobeincludedinthesubmission. Thislettershouldverifytheirwillingnesstoparticipate,explainingtheresourcescommittedtothisproject,andtheirroleintheproject. LetterofCommitmentfromPartnerInstitutions:Ifyourproposalincludesissuingsubawardstopartnerinstitutions,attachaletterofcommitmentfromeachinstitution.Theletterofcommitmentmustbedatedandsignedbythesubaward’sPI(usuallylistedasaCo-PIoftheproject)andincludethefollowinginformation:periodofperformance,totalfundsrequested,andaScopeofWorkoutliningactivitiestobeperformed,thedeliverablescreated,andtheprojecttimeline.LettersofSupportfromStakeholders:Attachlettersofsupportfromstakeholderindividualsand/ororganizationsthatsupporttheproposedresearchandeducationactivities.CurrentandPendingSupport: ThePI,graduatestudent,andotherprojectteammembersmustsubmitaCurrentandPendingSupportform.Thisformisnotneededforproducers.ThisformisavailableattheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposals.ConflictofInterest:ThePI,graduatestudent,andotherprojectteammembersmustsubmitanupdatedConflictofInterestform.Thisformisnotneededforproducers.This

formmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionoftheCallforFullProposal.AnimalWelfareAssuranceStatement: Thisformmustbecompletedbyallapplicantstoidentifywhetherornottheirproposedprojectincludestheuseofwarm-blooded,vertebrateanimals.ThisformisavailableattheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposal.InstitutionalReviewBoardApproval: Ifyourprojectwillinvolveresearchwithhumans(e.g.tastingsessions,conductinginterviews,focusgroups,etc.)oryouwilluseasurveyotherthantheWSARESurveytoevaluatetheimpactofyourproject,youwillneedtoprovideevidenceofacceptanceorexemptionbyanInstitutional ReviewBoard(IRB). Atthetimeofsubmission,proofthatyouinitiatedtheIRBprocessisacceptable;however,ifawarded,theSubawardServiceAgreementwillnotbeexecuteduntilIRBapproval/exemptiondocumentationisprovided.IfyoudonothaveaccesstoanInstitutionalReviewcommittee,contactusbye-mailatwsare@montana.edu.Citations: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.

Member Name:__________________________________________________________ How this template is completed?

• List alphabetically – with last name first -- the full names of the following individuals: o All co-authors on publications within the past three years, including pending

publications and submissions o All collaborators on projects within the past three years, including current and planned

collaborations o All thesis or postdoctoral advisees/advisors o All persons in your field with whom you have had a consulting/financial

arrangement/other conflict-of-interest in the past three years • Indicate the person’s relationship to you (Co-Author, Collaborator, etc.) with an “x”.

Additional pages may be used as necessary. Other individuals working in the applicant's specific area are not in conflict of interest with the applicant unless those individuals fall within one of the listed categories.

Name Co-Author Collaborator Advisees/ Advisors

Other – Specify Nature

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Conflict of Interest

Theapplicantacknowledges t h a t work may r equ i r e I n s t i t u t i o na l An ima l Ca r e and Us e Over 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:If animalwelfare 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) Anannualreportwillberequiredeachyearofyourproject.Progressandfinalreportsshoulddescribetheprogressmadeontheproject,detailtheobservedresults,describetheeducationaloutreacheventsandmaterialproducedbytheproject,anddocumentimpacts. Alleducationaloutreachactivitiesshouldincludeanevaluationcomponentthatmeasureschangesinknowledgeorawareness,attitudesandopinions,and/ortheadoptionofnewpracticesbyproducersorotheragriculturalprofessionals.Ifyourprojectisaone-yearprojectonlyafinalreportshouldbesubmitted.ApprovedprojectreportswillbepostedonthenationalSAREwebsite,andbesharedwithproducers,interestedpolicymakersandcommunity,state,regionaland nationalleaders.Alleducationalmaterialsandproductsmusthaveanelectronic version,andbeincludedinyourreports.AnnualReportsaredueonSeptember1stofeachyearoftheproject.Youwillhaveupto60daysfromthePeriodofPerformanceenddatetosubmittheFinalReport.PleasereviewthedocumentslocatedinWSAREReportingDocumentsforGranteessectiontounderstandwhatwillbeexpectedifyourprojectisawarded:• TheGraduateStudentReportingExpectationslistshowswhatresultsyoushould

reportduringtheproject,andwhatSAREmayassesstwotofouryearsaftertheproject’scompletion.

• TheSurveyInstrumentisasampletoolofhowgranteescangatherresultsfromaproject’soutreachactivities.Thissurveyisoneimportantwayforcollectingrequireddatatomeasurechangesinknowledge,attitude,skillsandawarenessof

participantsoftheprojectoutreachandeducationalactivities(e.g.,producers,students,etc.).

Selected Proposals IftheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilselectsyourprojectforfunding,youmayexpectthefollowing:Notification:TheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilwillselectproposalsforfundinginJuly2021.TheAdministrativeCouncilreservestherighttorestructureorreducethebudgetofanygrantproposalbeforefinalapproval.WesternSAREstaffwillnotifyapplicantsofthestatusoftheirproposalsbyAugust2021.Award:Ifyourproposalisselectedforfunding,theOfficeofSponsoredProgramsatMontanaStateUniversitywillinitiateaSubawardServiceAgreementtoyou.TheSubawardServiceAgreementwillidentifyallTermsandConditionsfortheaward,includingreportingrequirements.Acceptanceoftheinitialpaymentistherecipient'sacceptanceofthetermsandconditionsofthegrant.Funds:AllSubawardsarecostreimbursable.SubrecipientwillberesponsibleforinvoicingMSUforallexpensestobereimbursed.InvoicesaretobesubmittedaccordingtotheguidelinesintheSubawardAgreement.10%oftheawardedamountwillbewithheldpendingreceiptandapprovalofthefinalreport. PhotographsandVideos:Grantrecipientsarerequiredtodocumenttheirprojectwithphotographsand/orvideos,which canbeusefultothemandhelpsWesternSAREhighlightandpromotetheirworkonitswebsite andinpublications. High-definitiondigitalphotographsandvideosarepreferred.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:Granteesmustreportchangesregardingtheinformationoftheprojectteam

members(e.g.,address,phonenumber,email,etc.)totheWesternSAREofficeSignificantchangestotheprojectasoriginallyproposed,suchasachangeinPI,Co-PI,institution,statedobjectives,timeline,budget,etc.,shouldbesentasarequestviaemailtotheWesternSARERegionalCoordinatorforconsideration/approval.Uponapprovaloftheaforementionedchanges,granteeswillupdatetheirSAREprofilesatprojects.sare.org.

How to Apply https://projects.sare.org

Lookforprogramsunder“Western”[region]WestronglyencourageapplicantsreadtheentireGraduateStudentGrantsProgramCallforProposalsbeforebeginningtowritethe proposal.

Proposalsaredueby12:00pm(noon)MST–February9,2021

Incompliancewithsection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,asamended,thismaterialcanbe madeavailableinotherformatsuponrequest.

Resources ChecktheresourcesintheWSAREProposalPreparationDocumentssection.Ifyouhavefurtherquestions,pleasecontactourofficeat406-994-4785orwsare@msu.edu

Informationonpastprojectsincludingsummariesandreportscanbefoundhere.Weencourageyoutovisitthiswebsitetolearnmoreaboutsustainable agricultureandtheWesternSAREprogram. Tipsforwritingproposalsareavailablehere.Ifyouhavefurtherquestionsafter consultingthesedocuments,pleasecontactourofficeat406-994-4789orwsare@montana.edu

TheAlternativeFarmingSystemsInformationCenter(AFSIC)attheNationalAgriculturalLibraryspecializesinlocating,collecting,andprovidinginformationaboutsustainableagriculture.Informationspecialistscananswerquestions,highlightresources,andsharesearchtechniquesfor literaturereviewsandbackgroundresearch.AFSICresourcesareavailableathttp://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/orcontactAFSICat301-504-6559orbye-mail,afsic@nal.usda.gov.TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgricultureandMontanaStateUniversityareequalopportunityprovidersandemployers.