FY13 ART II | Apply Online

FAQs: FY13 ART II (Method II Administrative Reviews and Training) Grant

What is the FY13 ART II grant opportunity (Method II Administrative Reviews and Training Grants)?

The FY13 ART II grant opportunity was a competitive USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) funding program designed to help State agencies strengthen oversight and reduce administrative errors in the Child Nutrition Programs, with a particular focus aligned to the National School Lunch Program framework.

What problem was this grant intended to address?

The grant focused on improving program integrity and compliance by reducing administrative errors. It targeted local educational agencies (LEAs) that either already had high administrative error levels or were considered high risk for making errors that could affect compliance.

What law is associated with the ART II program?

The opportunity traces back to the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-265). That law changed federal requirements by (1) requiring State agencies to conduct additional administrative reviews of certain LEAs and (2) providing federal funding to support States in carrying out those reviews and delivering training.

Who could apply for this grant?

Eligibility was limited to State governments, specifically the 57 State agencies that administer the Child Nutrition Programs (including States and certain territories or similar jurisdictions).

Could LEAs, school districts, nonprofits, or vendors apply directly?

Based on the opportunity description, no. The eligible applicants were State agencies that administer the Child Nutrition Programs, not LEAs or other entities.

What types of activities were ART II funds meant to support?

ART II funds were intended to support targeted monitoring and technical assistance, including identifying LEAs needing extra attention, conducting required administrative reviews under the Method II approach, following up on findings, and providing training aimed at preventing repeat problems.

What was the main target audience for oversight and training activities?

The central focus was on LEAs with high administrative error or those deemed high risk of making errors that affect compliance and program integrity.

Was the purpose only enforcement?

No. The intent included both oversight and capacity building, such as improving local procedures, strengthening understanding of program rules, and reducing errors that can lead to incorrect claims, improper meal benefit determinations, or other compliance issues.

What funding instrument was used for this opportunity?

The funding instrument was a cooperative agreement. This generally indicates FNS expected substantial involvement during the project period, such as providing guidance, coordinating on deliverables, or working closely with States on implementation.

Was there a cost-sharing or matching requirement?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

How much total funding was available for FY 2013?

The total estimated funding available was up to $4.5 million.

How many awards were expected?

FNS expected to make about three awards.

What was the expected award size?

Individual awards were expected to range from a minimum (floor) of $75,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $1.5 million.

What types of grants could States apply for under this opportunity?

States could apply for either a Planning grant or an Implementation grant, as described in the Request for Applications (RFA).

What is a Planning grant under this opportunity?

A Planning grant would typically support building or refining an approach, such as designing review strategies, developing training plans, establishing risk-based targeting methods, and preparing systems or staff to carry out the work.

What is an Implementation grant under this opportunity?

An Implementation grant would support executing reviews and training activities at scale, including conducting oversight visits or desk reviews, delivering training sessions, and establishing monitoring processes for LEAs identified as high risk.

What is meant by "Method II" in this grant context?

The opportunity describes Method II as an approach tied to required administrative reviews and training efforts focused on certain LEAs. The grant funds were intended to help States conduct these Method II administrative reviews, follow up on findings, and deliver targeted training.

How was this opportunity categorized (funding type)?

It was categorized as discretionary funding.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number was 10.579 (Child Nutrition Discretionary Grants - Limited Availability).

What activity area was this opportunity associated with?

The activity area was Food and Nutrition.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on February 19, 2013.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was May 15, 2013.

Was the closing date changed?

Yes. The closing date was revised to June 14, 2013.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was July 14, 2013.

Where was additional program information referenced?

Additional program information was referenced through the FNS grants webpage.

Who was the listed point of contact for access issues?

The listed point of contact for access issues was Kimberly Shields, Grants Officer.