The regulations in this subpart apply to the program authorized under section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA), 7 U.S.C. 7626, as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), Public Law 110-246.

The purpose of this subpart is to make competitive grants for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities.

The definitions applicable to the competitive grant programs under this subpart include:

Integrated program means a program that brings the three agricultural knowledge components (i.e., research, extension, and education) together around a problem or activity through the award of integrated projects and single component projects.

Integrated project means a project that brings at least two out of three agricultural knowledge components (i.e., research, extension, and education) together around a problem or activity.

The following entities are eligible to apply for and receive a grant under this subpart:

(a) Colleges and universities;

(b) 1994 Institutions; and

(c) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103), and in the RFA).

For each RFA, NIFA may develop and include the appropriate project types and priority areas based on stakeholder input and as deemed appropriate by NIFA, in consultation with the Advisory Board, and that involve integrated research, extension, and education activities. Duration and amount of grants may vary depending on the type of project.

(a) Construction. Funds made available for grants under this subsection shall not be used for the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees).

(b) Indirect Costs. Subject to § 3430.54, indirect costs are allowable.

(a) General requirement. If a grant under this subpart provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the recipient of the grant is required to provide funds or in-kind support to match the amount of funds provided by NIFA.

(b) Indirect costs. Use of indirect costs as in-kind matching contributions is subject to § 3430.52(b).

(c) Waiver authority. NIFA may waive the matching requirement specified in paragraph (a) of this section with respect to a grant if NIFA determines that:

(1) The results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

(2) When all three of the following conditions are present:

(i) The project involves a minor commodity,

(ii) The project deals with scientifically important research, and

(iii) The grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

(a) General. Grants under this subpart shall address priorities in the United States agriculture that involve integrated research, extension, and education activities as determined by the Secretary through Agency stakeholder input processes and in consultation with the Advisory Board.

(b) Duration of awards. The term of a grant under this subpart may not exceed 5 years.