GraduateStudentProgram • February22th,2022–Proposalsaredueby12:00pm(noon)MST.

• April2022–ATechnicalReviewPanelreviewsandrecommendsproposalsforfunding.

• July2022–WesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilmakesfinalselections.

• September2022–Contractsforselectedprojectswillbeinitiated.

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TheWesternSustainableAgricultureResearchandEducation(SARE)programannouncesa CallforProposalsforGraduate StudentGrantsinSustainableAgriculturefor2022.Fundedprojectsmustcontainbothresearchandoutreachcomponentsonasustainableagriculturetopic.Outreach activitiesmayinclude on-farm/ranchdemonstrations, farmer-to-farmer educationalactivities,andother approaches toassistproduceradoptionofsustainableagriculturalpractices.Thegoalofthisprogramisto achieveresultsthatcanbecommunicatedtoproducersand agriculturalprofessionals;sustainandimprovetheenvironmentalqualityandnaturalresourcebaseonwhichagriculturedepends;improvetheprofitabilityoffarmers/ranchersandassociatedagriculturalbusinesses;andenhancethequalityoflifeforfarmers/ranchersinlocalcommunities. TheSAREgrantprogrammissionistosupportinnovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifeinAmericanagriculturebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.Toachievethat,WesternSAREbelievesthatourprogramsmustincludetheinvolvementofagriculturalproducersfromprojectinceptiontofinish,andthereforewerequireproducerinvolvementintheplanning,design,implementation,andeducationaloutreachofanyfundedprojects.

Western SARE Host Institution

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

Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Western SARE Competitive Grants Graduate Student

2022 Call for Proposals Submission Deadline: February 22th, 2022, 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]

New Deadline!

Western SARE Graduate Student Proposal Application

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

Onlygraduatestudents(MasterorPh.D.)enrolledataccreditedcollegesoruniversitiesintheWesternregionareeligibletoapply. Atthetimeofproposalsubmission,thestudentmustbeconsideredfull-timeaccordingtotheirinstitution’srequirements. TheresearchmustbeconductedintheWesternregion.Thestudentistherecipientofthegrant,andtheymayreceiveonlyoneWesternSAREGraduateStudentGrantawardduringtheirgraduatestudies.Proposalsmustbewrittenbythestudentwhowillcoordinateandconducttheprojectwiththeguidanceoftheirmajorprofessor/advisorandatleastoneagriculturalproducer.

Funding:WesternSAREGraduateStudentGrantsprovideamaximumof$30,000(includingIndirectCost) for up to twoyears. Becauseuniversities typicallydonotallow studentsto

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.

manageinstitutionalgrantawards,thestudentmajorprofessor/advisorwillbethePrincipalInvestigator(PI)andthegraduatestudenttheapplicant.Fundsareawardedtotheapplicant’suniversity,withthefundstobededicatedtothestudent’sgraduateresearchproject.Multiplesubmissionsareacceptedbutonlyoneapplication(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)andaTechnicalAdvisor.TheTechnicalAdvisormustbeindependentoftheProducer.

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

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

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

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

Writing the Proposal Proposalsaresubmittedonlineathttps://projects.sare.org.Thesubmissionincludessixsections:1)acknowledgementofreadingtheCallforProposal,2)project’sbasic

information,3 ) projectsummary, 4 ) projectnarrative,5)budgetandbudgetjustification,and6)supportingdocuments.

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

PleasecheckthedocumentslocatedinProposalPreparationDocumentssectionofWesternSAREwebsitetostrengthenyourproposal.

Proposal Application A. ProjectBasicInformationThissectionpromptsforgeneralinformationabouttheprojectincluding:

• Themainsubjectmatteroftheproject• Thecommoditiesandagriculturalpracticesoftheproposedproject• Alistofresearchandeducationalobjectives• Proposedstartingandendingdates• Thestate(s)wheretheworkwillbeconducted

Pleasechooseastartdatethatcorrespondswiththefirst-of-the-month.StartdatesmustbenoearlierthanAugust1,2022andnolaterthanFebruary1,2023. B. Summary(Limit250words)Aclearandconcisesummary isimportantforthereviewprocess. Thesummarymustincludeabriefdescriptionoftheproblemorneed andacreativeapproachtosolvingit. Inthesummary, includethefollowing:

• Identifyaproblemandresearch question(s)• Describetheresearchandoutreachcomponentsandexplainhowyourprojectwill

creativelyaddresstheidentifiedproblem • Explainhowyourprojectwillbedisseminatedamongagriculturalstakeholders• Enumerateanddescribetheexpectedprojectoutcomes.

C. ProjectNarrative Theprojectnarrativeincludesthefollowingsections: 1 ) RelevancetoSustainableAgricultureandProjectValueandBenefits,2)StakeholderNeedsandSupport,3)ProjectTeam,4)ResearchPlan,5)EducationalPlan,6)Timeline,and7)EvaluationandProducerAdoption.

RelevancetoSustainableAgriculture,ProjectValueandBenefits:(15%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:1000)Explainwhythisprojectisnecessaryandhowitaddressesacriticalneedinsustainableagriculture. Identifyanylimitationsinthecurrentsystemandhowyourprojectwilladdressthem.Citeevidenceofneed,includingresultsandrecommendationsfromrelatedSAREprojects(www.sare.org/Project-Reports)andotherstudiesorreports.Theproposalmustaddresshowyourprojectwill:• 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;wordlimit:500)WesternSAREiscommittedtoaddressingtheneedsofagriculturalstakeholders-both, on-farm/ranch and off-farm/ranch.Proposalsmustincludeevidencethatstakeholderidentifiedneedsarebeingaddressed,aswellassupportfortheprojectbeyondtheprojectcollaborators.Describinganddocumentingstakeholders’needsandsupportdemonstratesthattheproposedprojectisrelevantandtimely.Evidenceofstakeholderidentifiedneedsandsupportmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

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

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

ProjectTeamMembersandRoles(5%ofthereviewcriteria;wordlimit:300)Theprojectteammustbeaminimumofthree(3)peopleandmustinclude:AGraduateStudent(Applicant),aResearcher(PrincipalInvestigatorandtypicallytheapplicant’smajorprofessor)andatleastone(1)Producer.Fromadrop-downlist,selecttheprojectteammemberswhowillbeinvolvedinyourproject.Inthefollowingsection,RolesoftheProjectteamMembers,describeallteammembers’rolesincludingproducerinvolvementatallstagesoftheproject.Foreachprojectobjectiveandactivity,indicatewhowillberesponsibleandwhichteammemberswillbeinvolved.

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

coordinatingtheprojectandcarryingoutitscontractualprovisions.ThePIisresponsibleforallexpendituresandforachievingthestatedresearchandeducationobjectives.

• Producer:Nonprofitfarmoperationsmayparticipateintheproject,butdonotcountastherequiredProducer.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;wordlimit:2000)ThemissionofSAREistoadvance“innovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.”Clearlystateanddefinetheresearchobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreachobjective,describewhatwillbedoneincludingmethodsandmaterials.Whattreatmentsornewtechnique(s)willbetested?Whatmaterialswillbeused?Describetheprojectsite,researchdesign,datacollectionandanalysismethods.Includesufficientdetailsothatreviewerscandetermineiftheapproachesaresuitabletoachieveyourobjectives.Avoidtheuseofjargonthatmaybeunfamiliaroutsideyourindustryorspecialtyareaanddefineallacronyms.EducationalPlan (30%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:2000)

Clearlystateanddefinetheeducationalobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreachobjective,describetheoutreachactivitiesincludingmethodsandmaterials.Describehow,when,andwhereyouwillconductoutreachactivities(e.g.,fielddays,demonstrations,workshops,presentations,websites,etc.).Describewhowillyoutargetinyouroutreachactivities(e.g.,producers,stakeholders,otheragriculturalprofessionals,students,etc.).Explainhowyouwillcommunicateyourproject’sfindingstoproducers(specifically)andthegeneralpublic.Iftheproducersoragriculturalprofessionalsyouintendtoreachthroughthisprojectarefromunderservedcommunities,pleasedescribehowyouintendtoreachandengagethem.(Underservedcommunitiesarethosethathavedifficultiesaccessingopportunitiesduetolanguage,cultural,location,orresourcesbarriers.)Providealistofeducationalresources(e.g.,factsheets,PowerPointpresentations,videoclips,podcasts,handouts,brochures,4-Hpublications,surveys,etc.)youplantoproduce.Describeplansforanyscholarlyoutputs(e.g.,academicjournalsandconferences,departmentalseminars,capstoneprojects,classroompresentations).Digitaloutcomes(e.g.,podcasts,videos,blogs,web-basedmaterials,andsocialmedia)areencouragedbutshouldnotbethesoleoutreachapproach.Multiplecommunicationmaterialsandmultiplecommunicationstylesarestronglyencouraged.PropercitationofWesternSAREisrequiredinalleducationalmaterialsandactivities.InformationpertainingtocitingWesternSAREwillbeincludedintheSubawardAgreement.Timeline (5%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:500)Provideatimeline,suchasaGanttChartforaccomplishingeachobjectiveoftheResearchPlanandEducationPlan. Identifythemajor milestonesandactivitiesthatwillbecompletedandwheneachofthosemilestoneswilloccur.EvaluationandProducerAdoption: (5%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:500)Explainhowtheproject’sresearchandeducationalobjectiveswillbeevaluated.Forexample,describehowchangesinproducers’knowledge,awareness,attitudes,andadoptionofpracticeswillbemeasured(e.g.,apre-postsurvey).Applicantsshoulddescribetheirsurveyselection/developmentprocessandmethodsforanalysis.AnapprovedWSARESurveyisexpectedtobefilledoutbyparticipantsateachoutreachactivityinadditiontoanyotherevaluationform.WesternSARErequiresevaluationresultsfromtheaforementionedsurveyaspartoftherequiredprogressandfinalreports.Iftheevaluationwillincludeadditionalsurveysorforms,applicantsmustincludeapprovalfromanInstitutionalReviewBoard(IRB)oradocumentindicatingthattheIRBprocesshasbeeninitiated.ThisisaUSDA-NIFArequirement.FormoreinformationonIRBrequirements,e-mailwsare@montana.edu;MontanaStateUniversitycanassistyouwiththisrequirement.D. BudgetandJustification(5%ofreviewcriteria)ProvideadetailedbudgetandbudgetjustificationthatareappropriatetotheproposedprojectusingtheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetfoundontheonlineapplicationsite,

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

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

• Lower-tierSubawards:yourinstitutionmayissuelower-tiersubaward(s)inordertopayprojectcollaboratorswhoarenotatyourinstitutionand/ortosupportcostsassociatedwiththelower-tiersubrecipient’sportionoftheproposedproject.Foreachlower-tiersubawardproposed,aWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforLower-tierSubawardsmustbesubmittedinadditiontotheapplicant’sWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet.

• ContractedServices:includespayingforprofessionalservicessuchastestingandanalysisservices,surveydevelopmentandadministration,computationalservices,websitedevelopmentormaintenance,professionalproductionservices(e.g.,videographer),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.Pleasenotethattravelperdiemsandmileageneedtobeinagreementwithyourorganization'sapprovedrates.Ifnorateisavailable,usetheFederalGovernmentrate

listedontheDepartmentofStatewebsite.Note:foreigntravelistypicallyNOTallowedundertheSAREprogramexceptincaseswheresufficientjustificationhasbeenprovidedanditwasapprovedtheWesternSARERegionalCoordinator.Allforeigntravelmustbedirectlyrelatedtotheproject,mustbeessentialforprojectcompletion,andwelljustified(e.g.,explainwhythisactivitycannotbedoneintheUSA,relevancetothesustainabilityoftheWesternagriculture,provideforeigninstitutionandcolleaguesqualifications,etc.).TheFreelyAssociatedStates-FederatedStatesofMicronesia,MarshallIslands,andPalau-areforeigncountries.USDA-NIFArequiresthatforeigntravelbedoneinaU.S.flagaircarrier.

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

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

• Participant/TraineeSupport:includespayingforcostsassociatedwithconferences,workshops,orsymposiaforparticipantswhoarenotemployeesoftheapplicantorasubawardrecipientinstitution(s).Participant/TraineeSupportcostsareassociatedwitheducationalprojectsthatsupporttrainees.Participants/Traineescanreceiveasetamountforparticipationintheabovestatedfunctions.Participant/Traineetravelexpensesmustbeitemized(notalumpsumpayment)andincludedintheTravelbudgetcategory.

Capital Equipment: Defined as a single, autonomous piece of equipment that costs $5,000 or more and has a useful life of more than one year. Capital Equipment purchases are generally not allowed under the SARE program and should be essential for the completion of the proposed activities. Equipment expenses beyond $5,000 may be leveraged by non WSARE funds. Purchasingmultiplecomponentsofsingleequipmentthatcostunder$5,000inanattempttocircumventthe$5,000capisnotallowed.Purchasesofminorequipmentunder$5,000isallowed.Pleaseincludeminorequipmentand/orleveragedcapitalequipmentpurchasesintheSuppliesbudgetcategory.IndirectCosts(IDCs)Recovery:IDCrecoverymayberequestedbyboththeprimaryapplicantandanyproposedlower-tiersubawardrecipient(s)accordingtothefollowingcriteria:

• UndertheSAREprogramandforprojectsfundedinCalendarYear2022andlater,NIFAstipulatesindirectcostrecoveryiscappedat10%oftheTotalDirectCosts(TDC)requested.

• The10%TDCcapshouldbeconsistentlyappliedtoboththeprimaryapplicantandanyproposedlower-tiersubrecipients.

• Importantnote:ifyourinstitutionhasaFederallyNegotiatedIndirectCostRateAgreement(NICRA),theIDCbaseshouldbeTotalDirectCosts,includingtheTOTALCOSTSofany/allproposedlower-tiersubrecipient(s).Excludingalloraportionofanyproposedlower-tiersubaward(s)intheIDCbasewillresultinare-budgetrequestshouldyourproposalbefunded.

• SomeinstitutionsmayNOTbeeligibleforIDCrecoveryormaybelimitedtothedeminimisrateof10%oftheModifiedTotalDirectCosts(MTDC)requested.

• Applicantsshouldlimittheirrequestforrecoveryofindirectcoststothelesseroftheirinstitution’sofficialnegotiatedindirectcostrateortheequivalentof10%ofTotalDirectCosts.

ApplicantsmustindicatetheIDCrateusedontheWesternSAREBudget

Worksheet.DetailedinformationaboutIDCratesandcalculationscanbefoundontheWesternSAREwebsite.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(thegraduatestudentmajorprofessor/advisor)isresponsibleforallexpenditures.ThisformmustbesignedbythePIandthePI’sAuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative.Foracollegeoruniversity,thispersonisusuallytheDirectoroftheSponsoredProgramsOffice.Non-profitsorotherorganizations,thisistypicallytheExecutiveDirector,CEOorCFO.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposal. CurrentVita:ThePI,graduatestudent,andallotherprojectteammemberswhoarenotproducersmustsubmitacurrentvita(maximum2-pagesforeachmember).Avitaisnotrequiredforproducers. LettersofCooperationfromProducer: Eachproducerwhoispartoftheprojectteammust sendadatedandsignedletterofcooperationtobeincludedinthesubmission.Thislettershouldverifytheirwillingnesstoparticipate,explainingtheresourcescommittedtothisprojectandtheirroleintheproject. LetterofCommitmentfromPartnerInstitutions:Ifyourproposalincludesissuinglower-tiersubawardstopartnerinstitutions,attachaletterofcommitmentfromeachinstitution.Theletterofcommitmentmustbedatedandsignedbythesubaward’sPI(usuallylistedasaCo-PIoftheproject)andincludethefollowinginformation:periodof

performance,totalfundsrequested,andaScopeofWorkoutliningactivitiestobeperformed,thedeliverablescreated,andtheprojecttimeline.LettersofSupportfromStakeholders:Attachlettersofsupportfromstakeholderindividualsand/ororganizationsthatsupporttheproposedresearchandeducationactivities.CurrentandPendingSupport: ThePI,graduatestudent,andotherprojectteammembersmustsubmitaCurrentandPendingSupportform.Thisformisnotneededforproducers.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposals.AnimalWelfareAssuranceStatement: Thisformmustbecompletedbyallapplicantstoidentifywhethertheirproposedprojectincludestheuseofwarm-blooded,vertebrateanimals.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposal.InstitutionalReviewBoardApproval: Ifyourprojectwillinvolveresearchwithhumans(e.g.tastingsessions,conductinginterviews,etc.)oryouwilluseothersurveythantheWSARESurveytoevaluatetheimpactofyourproject,youwillneedtoprovideevidenceofacceptanceorexemptionbyanInstitutional ReviewBoard(IRB)oritsequivalent. 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.

Theapplicantacknowledges t h a t work may r equ i r e I n s t i t u t i ona l An ima l C a r e and U se Ove r 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:Ifanimalwelfare 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) Anannualreportwillberequiredforeachyearofyourproject.Progressandfinalreportsshoulddescribetheprogressmadeontheproject,detailtheobservedresults,describetheeducationaloutreacheventsandmaterialproducedbytheproject,anddocumentimpacts. Alleducationaloutreachactivitiesshouldincludeanevaluationcomponentthatmeasureschangesinknowledgeorawareness,attitudesandopinions,and/ortheadoptionofnewpracticesbyproducersorotheragriculturalprofessionals.Ifyourprojectisaone-yearprojectonlyafinalreportshouldbesubmitted.ApprovedprojectreportswillbepostedonthenationalSAREwebsite,andbesharedwithproducers,interestedpolicymakersandcommunity,state,regionaland nationalleaders.Alleducationalmaterialsandproductsmusthaveanelectronicversionandbeincludedinyourreports.AnnualReportsaredueonSeptember1stofeachyearoftheproject.Youwillhaveupto60daysfromthePeriodofPerformanceenddatetosubmittheFinalReport.PleasereviewthedocumentslocatedinWSAREReportingDocumentsforGranteessectiontounderstandwhatwillbeexpectedifyourprojectisawarded.

Selected Proposals IftheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilselectsyourprojectforfunding,youmayexpectthefollowing:

Notification:TheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilwillselectproposalsforfundinginJuly2022.TheAdministrativeCouncilreservestherighttorestructureorreducethebudgetofanygrantproposalbeforefinalapproval.WesternSAREstaffwillnotifyapplicantsofthestatusoftheirproposalsbyAugust2022.Award:Ifyourproposalisselectedforfunding,theOfficeofSponsoredProgramsatMontanaStateUniversitywillinitiateaSubawardServiceAgreementtoyou.TheSubawardServiceAgreementwillidentifyallTermsandConditionsfortheaward,includingreportingrequirements.Acceptanceoftheinitialpaymentistherecipient'sacceptanceofthetermsandconditionsofthegrant.Funds:AllSubawardsarecostreimbursable.SubrecipientwillberesponsibleforinvoicingMSUforallexpensestobereimbursed.InvoicesaretobesubmittedaccordingtotheguidelinesintheSubawardAgreement.10%oftheawardedamountwillbewithheldpendingreceiptandapprovalofthefinalreport. PhotographsandVideos: Grantrecipientsarerequiredtodocumenttheirprojectwithphotographsand/orvideos,which canbeusefultothemandhelpsWesternSAREhighlightandpromotetheirworkonitswebsite andinpublications. High-definitiondigitalphotographsandvideosarepreferred.ItisexpectedthattheoutreachmaterialproducedbyUSDA-NIFA-WesternSAREsupportedprojectswillbeADAcompliance.Thus,includingclosedcaptionstovisualandaudiodeliverablesisanecessaryrequirementforprojectclosure.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:Granteesmustreportchangesregardingtheinformationoftheprojectteammembers(e.g.,address,phonenumber,email,etc.)totheWesternSAREoffice.Forsignificantchangestotheprojectasoriginallyproposed,suchasachangeinPI,Co-PI,institution,statedobjectives,timeline,budget,etc.,usetheProjectModificationFormandemailittotheGraduateStudentProgramManager,WesternSAREFiscalManager

andRegionalCoordinator.

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

Lookforprogramsunder“Western”[region]WestronglyencourageapplicantsreadtheGraduateStudentGrantsProgramCallforProposalsbeforebeginningtowritethe proposal.

Proposalsaredueby12:00pm(noon)MST–February22,2022(NEWDEADLINE)

Incompliancewithsection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,asamended,thismaterialcanbe madeavailableinotherformatsuponrequest.

Resources ChecktheresourcesintheWSAREProposalPreparationDocumentssection.Ifyouhavefurtherquestions,pleasecontactourofficeat406-994-4789orwsare@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.