Opportunity Information: Apply for FAS OTP TASC 052909
Apply for FAS OTP TASC 052909
- The Unified Export Strategy in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "TASC Availability of Funds For FY 2010" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.604 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 30, 2009 and posted on Apr 30, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 29, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $8,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $8,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 55 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Any U.S. organization, private or government, with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations include non profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and private companies.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The FY 2010 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) Availability of Funds grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number FAS OTP TASC 052909; CFDA 10.604) is a discretionary federal grant program in the agriculture category that offers funding to help U.S. organizations tackle foreign market access problems that block or threaten exports of U.S. specialty crops. The central purpose of the program is to support practical, industry-wide projects that remove or reduce sanitary, phytosanitary (SPS), or closely related technical barriers to trade, such as import requirements tied to plant pests, diseases, food safety standards, quarantine measures, inspection protocols, testing methods, certification rules, or other regulatory obstacles that make it difficult for U.S. specialty crop products to enter or stay in overseas markets.
A key feature of this program is how it defines "specialty crops." For TASC, specialty crops include essentially all cultivated plants and their products produced in the United States, with several major commodity exceptions. Specifically excluded are wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco. In practice, this means the program is oriented toward fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, floriculture, horticultural products, and many other non-exempt plant-based products where export opportunities can be limited by SPS rules, technical standards, and regulatory processes abroad.
Projects proposed under this opportunity are expected to align with three core criteria. First, the project should directly address an SPS or related technical barrier that is currently prohibiting exports or poses a credible threat to future exports of U.S. specialty crops. Second, the work should produce benefits that are clearly industry-facing rather than tailored to a single firm, brand, or proprietary product line; the intent is to generate outcomes that multiple exporters or the broader represented sector can use. Third, the project must focus on barriers affecting commercially available U.S. specialty crops, and the anticipated removal or reduction of the barrier should predominantly benefit U.S. exports (in other words, the outcomes should translate into measurable export-enabling gains for U.S. producers and shippers rather than primarily serving non-U.S. interests).
The opportunity anticipates making about 55 awards and lists an estimated total funding amount of $8,000,000. The notice indicates an award ceiling of $8,000,000 and an award floor of $0, which suggests awards could vary substantially in size depending on the scope, quality, and expected impact of proposed projects, up to the program maximum. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants should be prepared to contribute non-federal resources (cash and/or allowable in-kind contributions, depending on the program rules) as part of the overall project budget and to document how those contributions will be provided and tracked.
Eligibility is broad and is designed to include the kinds of institutions that commonly work on export market access and technical trade issues. Any U.S. organization, public or private, that can demonstrate a role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply. Eligible government applicants include federal, state, and local agencies. Eligible private applicants include nonprofit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state or regional trade groups, and private companies. While private companies can apply, proposals still have to meet the program's industry-benefit standard, so projects framed around sector-wide solutions (for example, generating technical data to support an import protocol, developing common certification approaches, or resolving inspection and treatment requirements) are better aligned than efforts that advantage a single company.
The timeline for this FY 2010 funding round shows the opportunity was posted and created on April 30, 2009, with an original and current closing date of May 29, 2009, and an archive date of May 30, 2009. The administering entity is listed as "Unified Export Strategy" in the source data, and the program is presented as part of the U.S. government toolkit for reducing technical trade barriers and enabling U.S. specialty crop exports through targeted, problem-solving assistance rather than general marketing support.
For applicants needing access to the full announcement or encountering issues retrieving it electronically, the notice provides a point of contact: Phyllis Smith, Management Analyst, at (202) 720-9178, with Alicia Smith also referenced in the contact section. The announcement link is labeled "TASC Annoucement," which would typically include the full application instructions, required forms, match requirements, evaluation criteria, and any project-type priorities for that funding year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FY 2010 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) - Availability of Funds
What is the FY 2010 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) grant?
The FY 2010 TASC Availability of Funds opportunity is a discretionary federal grant program (agriculture category) that funds projects designed to address foreign market access problems affecting exports of U.S. specialty crops. The focus is on removing or reducing sanitary, phytosanitary (SPS), or closely related technical barriers to trade that block or threaten exports.
What is the purpose of this TASC funding opportunity?
The central purpose is to support practical, industry-wide projects that help U.S. specialty crop products enter, remain in, or expand within overseas markets by resolving SPS or related technical barriers. These barriers may include import requirements tied to plant pests, diseases, food safety standards, quarantine measures, inspection protocols, testing methods, certification rules, and other regulatory obstacles.
What kinds of problems does TASC fund projects to solve?
TASC supports projects that address SPS or closely related technical barriers such as:
- Plant pest or disease-related import restrictions
- Food safety standards that affect import eligibility
- Quarantine or treatment requirements
- Inspection protocols and compliance procedures
- Testing methods or laboratory-related requirements
- Certification rules or documentation requirements
- Other regulatory or technical obstacles that inhibit market access
What are "specialty crops" under this program?
For TASC, specialty crops include essentially all cultivated plants and their products produced in the United States, with several major commodity exceptions. In practice, this covers fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, floriculture, horticultural products, and many other non-exempt plant-based products.
Which commodities are excluded from the TASC definition of specialty crops?
The following commodities are specifically excluded from the specialty crop definition for this program:
- Wheat
- Feed grains
- Oilseeds
- Cotton
- Rice
- Peanuts
- Sugar
- Tobacco
What are the main criteria that proposed projects are expected to meet?
Projects are expected to align with three core criteria described in the opportunity:
- Barrier-driven: The project should directly address an SPS or related technical barrier that currently prohibits exports or poses a credible threat to future exports of U.S. specialty crops.
- Industry-wide benefit: The project should generate benefits for the industry broadly rather than being tailored to a single firm, brand, or proprietary product line.
- U.S. export benefit: The project should focus on barriers affecting commercially available U.S. specialty crops, and the results should predominantly benefit U.S. exports (i.e., translate into export-enabling gains for U.S. producers and shippers).
Does TASC fund general export marketing or promotional campaigns?
Based on the description provided, the program is positioned as targeted, problem-solving assistance focused on reducing technical trade barriers and enabling exports, rather than providing general marketing support.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligibility is broad. Any U.S. organization, public or private, that can demonstrate a role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply. Examples of eligible applicants include:
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Nonprofit trade associations
- Universities
- Agricultural cooperatives
- State or regional trade groups
- Private companies
Can a private company apply?
Yes. Private companies are listed among eligible applicants. However, proposals must still meet the program's industry-benefit standard, meaning the project should be framed around sector-wide solutions rather than primarily advantaging a single company.
What does "industry-wide" benefit mean in this opportunity?
Industry-wide benefit means project outcomes should be usable by multiple exporters or the broader sector represented, rather than being limited to a single firm, brand, or proprietary product line. The intent is to produce results that improve market access conditions for a wider set of U.S. specialty crop stakeholders.
Do projects need to relate to commercially available U.S. specialty crops?
Yes. The opportunity states that projects must focus on barriers affecting commercially available U.S. specialty crops, and the anticipated removal or reduction of the barrier should predominantly benefit U.S. exports.
How many awards does the program anticipate making?
The opportunity anticipates making about 55 awards.
How much total funding is estimated to be available?
The estimated total funding amount listed for this opportunity is $8,000,000.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The award ceiling is listed as $8,000,000, indicating a project could potentially be funded up to the program maximum, depending on scope, quality, and expected impact.
What is the award floor?
The award floor is listed as $0, which suggests awards may vary substantially in size depending on the proposed project.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required. Applicants should be prepared to contribute non-federal resources (cash and/or allowable in-kind contributions, depending on program rules) and to document how those contributions will be provided and tracked.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this TASC grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is FAS OTP TASC 052909.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The CFDA number is 10.604.
When was this funding opportunity posted, and what were the closing dates?
The opportunity was posted/created on April 30, 2009. The original (and current) closing date is May 29, 2009. The archive date is May 30, 2009.
Who is listed as the administering entity in the source data?
The administering entity is listed as "Unified Export Strategy" in the source data provided.
Where can applicants find the full announcement and application instructions?
The announcement link is labeled "TASC Annoucement." It would typically contain full application instructions, required forms, match requirements, evaluation criteria, and any funding-year priorities.
Who can be contacted for questions or if the announcement cannot be retrieved electronically?
The notice provides a point of contact: Phyllis Smith, Management Analyst, at (202) 720-9178. Alicia Smith is also referenced in the contact section.
Does the opportunity specify particular project examples or approaches that fit well?
While the opportunity emphasizes industry-wide solutions rather than single-company benefits, examples of well-aligned approaches mentioned include generating technical data to support an import protocol, developing common certification approaches, or resolving inspection and treatment requirements.
Does the program focus on current export blocks, future threats, or both?
Both. The project should address an SPS or related technical barrier that is currently prohibiting exports or poses a credible threat to future exports of U.S. specialty crops.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program in Ethiopia
Previous opportunity: QSP Availability of Funds For FY 2010
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 FAS OTP TASC 052909
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FAS OTP TASC 052909) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Farm Bill Apply for AMS FV 08 0109 Funding Number: AMS FV 08 0109 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Projects Leading to Design and Development of Sustainable Farmer or Community Seed Storage Models in Africa Apply for OFDA FY09 004 Funding Number: OFDA FY09 004 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Clean Plant Network Cooperative Agreements Program Apply for USDA GRANTS 060409 001 Funding Number: USDA GRANTS 060409 001 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Adapting Livestock Systems to Climate Change (ALSCC) Collaborative Research Support Program (CRSP) Apply for M OAA EGAT AG 09 1155 Funding Number: M OAA EGAT AG 09 1155 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Agricultural Development Program Apply for NRCS HI 09 02 Funding Number: NRCS HI 09 02 Agency: Hawaii State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $61,000 |
| Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant Apply for RDBCP 09 SSDPG Funding Number: RDBCP 09 SSDPG Agency: Business and Cooperative Programs Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2009 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2009 Agency: Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Farm Viability Program for NRCS Vermont Apply for USDANRCSVT0902 Funding Number: USDANRCSVT0902 Agency: Vermont State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $230,000 |
| CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Apply for USDA NRCS MDSO 0002 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MDSO 0002 Agency: Maryland State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Resource Conservation and Development Program Technical Assistance Apply for USDA NRCS GA 09 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS GA 09 01 Agency: Georgia State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| USDA NRCS PA WATERSHED Apply for USDA NRCS PA 0002 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PA 0002 Agency: Maryland State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| USDA NRCS PA 0003 Apply for USDA NRCS PA CONSERVATION PLAN TECHNICAL Funding Number: USDA NRCS PA CONSERVATION PLAN TECHNICAL Agency: Maryland State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Perscribed Grazing Management Apply for USDA NRCS HI 09 03 Funding Number: USDA NRCS HI 09 03 Agency: Hawaii State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Interregional Research Project #4 Minor Crop Pest Management Program (IR 4) Apply for USDA CSREES SRGP 002624 Funding Number: USDA CSREES SRGP 002624 Agency: CSREES Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| AMA Organic Certification Cost Share Program Apply for AMS TM 09 0057 Funding Number: AMS TM 09 0057 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Organic Certification Cost Share Program Apply for AMS TM 09 0056 Funding Number: AMS TM 09 0056 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| State and Regional AgrAbility Program Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 002651 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 002651 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $180,000 |
| FY2010 Wood Education and Resource Center Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA FS WERC 2010 Funding Number: USDA FS WERC 2010 Agency: Forest Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA TCRGP 002778 Funding Number: USDA NIFA TCRGP 002778 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Tribal Colleges Extension Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 002776 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 002776 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $100,000 |
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 "FAS OTP TASC 052909", 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.