Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA OP 003868
Apply for USDA NIFA OP 003868
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture environment natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Rangeland Research Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.200 Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 26, 2012 and posted on Jun 26, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 30, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $897,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments).
- Pursuant to Section 1480 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended 7 USC 3333(a)(1) applications may be submitted by land grant colleges and universities, State agricultural experiment stations, and colleges, universities, and Federal laboratories having a demonstrable capacity in rangeland research, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. An applicant s failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Rangeland Research Program (RRP) is a competitive grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that focuses on strengthening the health, resilience, and long-term sustainability of U.S. rangelands. The central aim is to improve rangeland resources and the ecosystem services they provide by funding research that advances new or emerging rangeland science methods. A major emphasis is placed on work that connects multiple disciplines and explicitly studies the interrelationships among them, rather than treating rangeland issues as isolated ecological, agricultural, or social problems. In practical terms, the program is designed to generate integrated, usable science that helps agricultural producers, rural landowners, and land managers make better-informed land management decisions, with particular attention to rangeland restoration and maintaining sustainable ecosystem integrity over time.
This opportunity was offered as a discretionary grant program within the broad funding activity areas of agriculture, environment, and natural resources. The program anticipated making about two awards, with an estimated total funding level of roughly $897,000. Individual awards were expected to fall in a relatively narrow band, with a stated minimum (award floor) of $350,000 and a maximum (award ceiling) of $500,000. The catalog listing for the program is CFDA 10.200 (Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants), signaling that the funds are intended for research-oriented projects that address priority agricultural and natural resource questions at a national level.
Applicants were expected to provide cost sharing or matching funds, meaning the federal award would not necessarily cover 100 percent of project costs and recipients would need to document an allowable contribution from non-federal sources or other qualifying support as required by the program rules. Because cost sharing can affect project design, staffing, and partnership choices, a prospective applicant would typically plan early for how matching requirements will be met and documented in the budget narrative and supporting materials.
Eligibility is targeted to institutions with strong demonstrated capacity in rangeland research, consistent with Section 1480 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (as amended). Applications may be submitted by land-grant colleges and universities, state agricultural experiment stations, and other colleges, universities, and federal laboratories that can show they have the expertise and infrastructure needed to conduct credible rangeland research, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. The eligible applicant list for the opportunity included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and certain Native American tribal organizations (specifically, tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments), along with other entities as clarified in the program materials. While not every organization may be eligible to apply directly, the program allows award recipients to subcontract with otherwise ineligible organizations when those partners are necessary to carry out the work, which supports collaborative, multi-institution, and cross-sector project teams. A key compliance point is that eligibility must be met by the application deadline; if an applicant does not satisfy the eligibility criteria by that time, the proposal can be excluded from consideration or become ineligible for funding even if it is reviewed.
The official posting for this cycle was dated June 26, 2012, with an application deadline of July 30, 2012, and an archive date of August 29, 2012. The short application window highlights that the program was structured as a time-bounded solicitation for a limited number of relatively substantial research awards. For support accessing the full announcement, NIFA directed applicants to its Help Desk (202-401-5048) during regular business hours, and also indicated that program staff could assist with questions related to preparing the content of an application.
Overall, the RRP opportunity is best understood as targeted federal support for innovative, interdisciplinary rangeland research that can translate into decision-ready strategies for people actively managing rangelands. The emphasis on new methodologies and integration across disciplines reflects the reality that rangeland outcomes are driven by interacting ecological processes, management practices, and broader environmental conditions, and that practical solutions require research approaches that bridge those boundaries.
Rangeland Research Program (RRP) - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rangeland Research Program (RRP)?
The Rangeland Research Program (RRP) is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It funds research intended to strengthen the health, resilience, and long-term sustainability of U.S. rangelands.
What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?
The central aim is to improve rangeland resources and the ecosystem services they provide by supporting research that advances new or emerging methods in rangeland science, with a strong focus on producing integrated, usable science for real-world land management decisions.
What kinds of projects does the program emphasize?
The program emphasizes innovative rangeland research, especially work that connects multiple disciplines and explicitly studies the interrelationships among them. It prioritizes research that treats rangeland issues as interconnected ecological, agricultural, and social challenges rather than isolated problems.
How is "interdisciplinary" research described in this opportunity?
Interdisciplinary work is described as research that deliberately examines the relationships among multiple disciplines (for example, ecological processes, management practices, and broader environmental conditions), with the intent of generating integrated findings that are practical for decision-making by rangeland managers and landowners.
Who is intended to benefit from the research funded by RRP?
The program is designed to generate decision-ready science that helps agricultural producers, rural landowners, and land managers make better-informed land management decisions, with particular attention to rangeland restoration and maintaining sustainable ecosystem integrity over time.
What broad funding activity areas does this program fall under?
This opportunity was offered as a discretionary grant program within the broad funding activity areas of agriculture, environment, and natural resources.
How many awards were expected to be made?
The program anticipated making about two awards in this cycle.
What was the estimated total funding available?
The estimated total funding level for this opportunity was roughly $897,000.
What is the expected award size (minimum and maximum)?
Individual awards were expected to fall within a relatively narrow range, with an award floor (minimum) of $350,000 and an award ceiling (maximum) of $500,000.
Is this funding intended for research projects specifically?
Yes. The program is listed under CFDA 10.200 (Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants), indicating that funds are intended for research-oriented projects addressing priority agricultural and natural resource questions at a national level.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. Applicants were expected to provide cost sharing or matching funds. This means the federal award would not necessarily cover 100 percent of project costs, and recipients would need to document an allowable contribution from non-federal sources or other qualifying support as required by program rules.
Why does the cost sharing requirement matter for planning an application?
Because cost sharing can affect project design, staffing, and partnership decisions, applicants would typically plan early for how matching requirements will be met and documented in the budget narrative and supporting materials.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is targeted to institutions with strong demonstrated capacity in rangeland research, consistent with Section 1480 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (as amended). Applications may be submitted by land-grant colleges and universities, state agricultural experiment stations, and other colleges, universities, and federal laboratories that can demonstrate the expertise and infrastructure needed to conduct credible rangeland research, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
What types of organizations were explicitly included in the eligible applicant list?
The eligible applicant list included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and certain Native American tribal organizations (specifically, tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments), along with other entities as clarified in the program materials.
Can an otherwise ineligible organization still participate in a project?
Yes. While not every organization may be eligible to apply directly, award recipients are allowed to subcontract with otherwise ineligible organizations when those partners are necessary to carry out the work. This supports collaborative, multi-institution, and cross-sector teams.
When must an applicant meet eligibility requirements?
Eligibility must be met by the application deadline. If an applicant does not satisfy the eligibility criteria by that time, the proposal can be excluded from consideration or become ineligible for funding even if it is reviewed.
When was the opportunity posted and what were the key dates?
The official posting for this cycle was dated June 26, 2012. The application deadline was July 30, 2012, and the archive date was August 29, 2012.
What does the short application window suggest about this solicitation?
The short window suggests it was a time-bounded solicitation designed to make a limited number of relatively substantial research awards within a defined period.
Where could applicants get help accessing the full announcement?
NIFA directed applicants to its Help Desk at 202-401-5048 during regular business hours for support accessing the full announcement.
Who could help with application content questions?
The posting indicated that program staff could assist with questions related to preparing the content of an application.
What is the overall purpose of the RRP in practical terms?
Overall, the RRP is targeted federal support for innovative, interdisciplinary rangeland research that can translate into usable strategies for people actively managing rangelands, with an emphasis on new methodologies and integrated approaches that reflect real-world interactions across ecological and management systems.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Preserve, protect, educate, and promote the public awareness of the Santa Fe Trail
Previous opportunity: FY12 National Umbrella Cooperative Agreement Program II (NUCA II Program)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NIFA OP 003868
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA OP 003868) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Expert IPM Decision Support System Apply for USDA NIFA SRGP 003909 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SRGP 003909 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $143,000 |
| 2013 Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ 13 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ 13 01 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| NRCS CO State Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) FY13 Apply for USDA NRCS CO 13 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS CO 13 01 Agency: Colorado State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Arkansas CIG 2013 Apply for USDA NRCS AR 13 001 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AR 13 001 Agency: NRCS Arkansas State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| New York Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS NY 13 001 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NY 13 001 Agency: New York State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| 2013 NH Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS NH 13 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NH 13 01 Agency: USDA NRCS NH State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $59,300 |
| 2013 Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ CIG 13 03FP Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ CIG 13 03FP Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| 2013 NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants Colorado Full Proposals Apply for USDA NRCS CO 13 01FB Funding Number: USDA NRCS CO 13 01FB Agency: Colorado State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| FY 2013 CIG CARIBBEAN AREA Apply for USDA NRCS PR 001A Funding Number: USDA NRCS PR 001A Agency: Puerto Rico State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Expert IPM Decision Support System Apply for USDA NIFA SRGP 004295 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SRGP 004295 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $130,000 |
| Assistance in NRCS Program Delivery Apply for USDA NRCS VT 50 13 02 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT 50 13 02 Agency: Vermont State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Marine Turtle Conservation Fund Apply for F13AS00288 Funding Number: F13AS00288 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| USDA NRCS NHQ 14 01 Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ 14 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ 14 01 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Marine Turtle Conservation Fund Apply for F14AS00108 Funding Number: F14AS00108 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NEW JERSEY FY2014 CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANT (CIG) Apply for USDA NRCS NJ 14 0001 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NJ 14 0001 Agency: New Jersey State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Announcement for Program Funding Arkansas Apply for USDA NRCS AR 14 001 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AR 14 001 Agency: NRCS Arkansas State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| FY 2014 Conservation Innovation Grant NY Apply for USDA NRCS NY 14 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NY 14 01 Agency: New York State Office Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Prg Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ VPA HIP 14 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ VPA HIP 14 01 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Competitive Grant To Establish a USDA Center for Behavioral and Experimental Agri Environmental Policy Research Apply for CBEAR 2014 Funding Number: CBEAR 2014 Agency: Economic Research Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Regional Conservation Partnership Program Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ RCPP 14 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ RCPP 14 01 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Environment Natural Resources Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NIFA OP 003868", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.