Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 004029
Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 004029
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture energy science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Sustainable Bioenergy" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.310 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 24, 2013 and posted on Dec 26, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 3, 2013 A Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted (applications for conference grants are excluded) by 500 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on January 28, 2013 (see Part IV D.1). A LOI is a prerequisite to submission of an application (conference grants is the exception).. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $10,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Individuals Small businesses Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) For profit organizations other than small businesses Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- The list above is abbreviated. Others may be eligible to apply. Eligibility may differ based on Program Area. Please review Part III, A of the current AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy RFA for more specific eligibility requirements. Note restrictions that apply to integrated applicants. Applications from ineligible institutions will not be reviewed.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Sustainable Bioenergy grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number USDA NIFA AFRI 004029) is a discretionary grant program run by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under CFDA 10.310. Its central aim is to strengthen Americas energy security by funding work that builds and advances regional systems for producing sustainable bioenergy and other biobased products. The program is explicitly tied to reducing dependence on foreign oil while ensuring that bioenergy solutions deliver net positive outcomes for society, the environment, and rural economies, and that they can function alongside existing agricultural systems rather than displacing or undermining them.
The opportunity is framed around a long-term, implementation-oriented outcome: enabling regional systems that can materially supply liquid transportation biofuels in support of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 target of 36 billion gallons of biofuels per year by 2022. In practice, that means proposals are expected to move beyond narrow proof-of-concept ideas and instead contribute to scalable pathways that address the real-world constraints of feedstock production, supply chains, conversion technologies, sustainability performance, and adoption within agricultural landscapes. The focus on regional systems signals that NIFA is interested in solutions tailored to local conditions, resources, infrastructure, and markets, rather than a one-size-fits-all national model.
NIFA indicates it will fund several project types depending on the scope and goals of the work. This includes single-function Research projects, as well as multi-function Integrated projects that combine Research with Education and/or Extension components, reflecting an interest in translating scientific results into workforce development, stakeholder learning, and on-the-ground practice. The program also supports Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, which are typically designed to broaden participation or strengthen research capacity, depending on the specific AFRI solicitation details. Across all of these mechanisms, projects must address at least one of the program area priorities laid out in the Sustainable Bioenergy Request for Applications (RFA), which serves as the definitive guide for allowable topics, required elements, and any priority emphasis for that year.
The total estimated funding amount listed for the opportunity is $10,000,000. The award ceiling is also shown as $10,000,000, with an award floor of $0, which generally indicates that award sizes may vary widely and are determined by project type, available funds, and merit review outcomes, with the upper bound reflecting the maximum possible award under the announcement. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants should be prepared to document and justify non-federal contributions in accordance with the RFA and applicable federal grant rules.
Eligibility is broad but not uniform across all program areas, so applicants are directed to consult the RFA for the precise requirements and any restrictions, especially for integrated projects. The announcement lists potentially eligible applicants as including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, individuals, small businesses, other for-profit organizations, nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities), and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), along with other entities as clarified in the full RFA. A key warning is that applications from ineligible institutions will not be reviewed, and that eligibility can vary by the specific program area priority pursued, so confirming fit before preparing a full application is essential.
From a timeline standpoint, the opportunity was posted December 26, 2012, with an original and current closing date of April 3, 2013, and an archive date of May 3, 2013. A notable requirement is the mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI) for most applicants: the LOI had to be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 28, 2013, and it was a prerequisite to submitting a full application. The only stated exception is conference grants, which do not require an LOI. This structure suggests NIFA used the LOI process to anticipate reviewer needs, manage workload, and confirm program fit before full proposal submission.
For support, NIFA provides a help desk contact for issues accessing the announcement electronically (NIFA Help Desk, 202-401-5048, business hours Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays), and indicates there is also contact support for questions related to preparing application content. Overall, this opportunity is geared toward applicants who can credibly connect bioenergy R&D to sustainable, regionally grounded deployment pathways, while demonstrating measurable benefits for energy independence, environmental performance, and rural economic vitality.
AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy (USDA NIFA) Grant FAQs
What is this grant opportunity?
This is the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Sustainable Bioenergy grant opportunity administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It is a discretionary federal grant program under CFDA 10.310, Funding Opportunity Number USDA NIFA AFRI 004029.
What is the main goal of the AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy program?
The central aim is to strengthen Americas energy security by funding work that builds and advances regional systems for producing sustainable bioenergy and other biobased products. The program is tied to reducing dependence on foreign oil while ensuring bioenergy solutions deliver net positive outcomes for society, the environment, and rural economies, and can function alongside existing agricultural systems.
What kinds of outcomes is NIFA looking for?
The opportunity is framed around long-term, implementation-oriented outcomes. Proposals are expected to contribute to scalable pathways that address real-world constraints (such as feedstock production, supply chains, conversion technologies, sustainability performance, and adoption within agricultural landscapes), rather than staying at narrow proof-of-concept ideas.
How does the opportunity connect to national biofuels targets?
The program is positioned to support regional systems that can materially supply liquid transportation biofuels in support of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 target of 36 billion gallons of biofuels per year by 2022.
What does it mean that the focus is on "regional systems"?
NIFA signals interest in solutions tailored to local conditions, resources, infrastructure, and markets. The intent is not a one-size-fits-all national model, but regionally grounded approaches that can work within specific agricultural, economic, and environmental contexts.
What types of projects can be funded under this opportunity?
NIFA indicates it will fund several project types depending on scope and goals, including single-function Research projects and multi-function Integrated projects that combine Research with Education and/or Extension components. The program also supports Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, as described in the AFRI solicitation materials.
What is an Integrated project in this program?
An Integrated project combines Research with Education and/or Extension, reflecting NIFAs interest in translating scientific results into workforce development, stakeholder learning, and on-the-ground practice.
Are applicants required to follow specific topic areas or priorities?
Yes. Projects must address at least one of the program area priorities laid out in the Sustainable Bioenergy Request for Applications (RFA). The RFA is described as the definitive guide for allowable topics, required elements, and any priority emphasis for that year.
How much total funding is estimated to be available?
The total estimated funding amount listed for this opportunity is $10,000,000.
What is the maximum possible award amount?
The award ceiling is shown as $10,000,000, meaning the maximum possible award under the announcement could be up to that amount.
Is there a minimum award amount?
The award floor is listed as $0, which generally indicates award sizes may vary widely and are determined by project type, available funds, and merit review outcomes.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants should be prepared to document and justify non-federal contributions in accordance with the RFA and applicable federal grant rules.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described as broad but not uniform across all program areas. Potentially eligible applicants listed include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, individuals, small businesses, other for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities), and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), along with other entities as clarified in the full RFA.
Does eligibility vary depending on the program area priority?
Yes. The information notes that eligibility can vary by the specific program area priority pursued, and applicants are directed to consult the RFA for precise requirements and any restrictions (especially for integrated projects).
What happens if an ineligible organization submits an application?
The announcement warns that applications from ineligible institutions will not be reviewed.
What are the key dates for this opportunity?
The opportunity was posted on December 26, 2012. The closing date is April 3, 2013. The archive date is May 3, 2013.
Is a Letter of Intent (LOI) required?
Yes. A mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI) is required for most applicants and is described as a prerequisite to submitting a full application.
When was the LOI due?
The LOI had to be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 28, 2013.
Are there any exceptions to the LOI requirement?
Yes. The only stated exception is conference grants, which do not require an LOI.
Why does the program require an LOI?
Based on the information provided, the LOI process appears intended to help NIFA anticipate reviewer needs, manage workload, and confirm program fit before full proposal submission.
Where should applicants look for the definitive requirements and allowable activities?
Applicants are directed to the Sustainable Bioenergy Request for Applications (RFA), which is described as the definitive guide for allowable topics, required elements, priority emphasis, and eligibility requirements.
What kinds of benefits should a strong proposal demonstrate?
The opportunity emphasizes measurable benefits related to energy independence, environmental performance, and rural economic vitality, with solutions designed to operate alongside existing agricultural systems rather than displacing or undermining them.
Who can applicants contact for technical help accessing the announcement?
NIFA provides a help desk for issues accessing the announcement electronically: NIFA Help Desk, 202-401-5048, available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays.
Is there support for questions about application content?
Yes. The opportunity indicates there is also contact support for questions related to preparing application content.
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