Funder template: USDA NIFA · Opportunity: RDBCP-REAP-RES-EEI-2019 · closes no deadline stated

How reviewers read this: NIFA panels evaluate scientific merit, relevance to program area priorities, and capability of the team — plus, for integrated projects, the balance of research/education/extension.

Verify: AFRI RFAs are prescriptive about narrative structure and attachments; mirror the RFA’s checklist and use its exact attachment names.

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Project Narrative

Page limit: commonly 18 pages including figures — check the RFA.

Introduction and Justification

Frame the problem, the affected stakeholders, and the fit to the program’s stated purpose and any priority code in the RFA. Because this opportunity funds renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for agricultural producers—not research—this section should justify a producer-facing, implementation-oriented project rather than a study.

• What specific rural producer problem will the project address, and how does it connect to on-farm energy costs, resiliency, or operational efficiency?
• Which agricultural producers or rural stakeholders are directly affected, and how will the project serve them?
• How does the proposed work align with REAP’s purpose and the solicitation’s priority language, if any?
• What concrete renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement is being proposed, and why is it needed now?

Rationale and Significance

Explain why this approach is the right one for the target producers, using any available preliminary information. Emphasize the expected contribution to agricultural operations and rural communities through cost savings, improved energy performance, or other practical benefits.

• Why is the selected renewable energy or efficiency intervention likely to be effective for this type of agricultural producer?
• What evidence, feasibility information, or site conditions support the proposal?
• How will the project improve the economic or operational sustainability of the farm or rural business?
• What broader benefit will accrue to agriculture, food systems, or rural communities from this installation or upgrade?

Approach

Describe the project objectives, implementation steps, timeline, and how success will be measured. Include anticipated barriers or risks and how they will be addressed; if the project includes multiple components, distinguish them clearly.

• What are the specific implementation objectives and deliverables?
• What equipment, installation, retrofit, or other project activities will be completed, and in what sequence?
• What is the timeline from planning through installation, commissioning, and project closeout?
• What risks or pitfalls could delay completion or reduce performance, and what mitigation steps will be used?

Expected Outcomes and Evaluation

State measurable outcomes and how they will be tracked in a way that matches a clear logic model. Focus on practical outputs and performance measures expected from an energy project.

• What quantifiable outcomes will result, such as energy saved, renewable capacity installed, or cost reductions achieved?
• How will the project verify performance, savings, or operational improvements?
• What short-term and longer-term outcomes should reviewers expect for the producer and the surrounding rural context?
• What evidence will show that the project was implemented as proposed and is functioning as intended?

Budget Justification

Page limit: no page limit.

Budget Justification

Justify each budget category by year and tie every cost to a concrete project activity. Since this is a USDA-RBCS program, ensure the budget reflects an eligible producer-facing energy project and verify any cost-share, procurement, or indirect cost rules in the NOFO and with ORS.

• How does each cost support installation, equipment, engineering, site work, permitting, or other eligible project tasks?
• Are equipment purchases, construction, or contractor services necessary and reasonable for the proposed system?
• Are indirect costs requested, and if so, what is the current allowable rate or cap?
• If cost share or matching funds apply, what is the source, amount, and timing?

Data Management Plan

Page limit: 2 pages.

Data Management Plan

Describe the project’s expected data, standards, preservation approach, and public access plan. For a non-research implementation project, keep this focused on project records, performance data, and any monitoring information that may be retained or shared.

• What data will be generated during the project, such as installation records, energy-use baselines, performance monitoring, invoices, or photos?
• What standards or formats will be used to store and document those data?
• How will records be preserved, secured, and backed up over the life of the project?
• What information, if any, will be made publicly accessible, and on what timeline?

Biographical Sketches

Page limit: 2 pages per person.

Biographical Sketch

Use the required NIFA format for each key person, and provide COI lists as a separate attachment. For this program, emphasize experience relevant to agricultural energy systems, project implementation, rural outreach, or technical management.

• Which team members have the expertise needed to manage a producer-facing renewable energy or efficiency project?
• What prior experience demonstrates ability to deliver construction, equipment, or energy efficiency work in rural/agricultural settings?
• Who will be responsible for technical oversight, compliance, and project coordination?
• Are conflict-of-interest lists prepared as separate attachments, as required?