Institute of Rural Partnership (GP 780)

IORP-VT
CFDA 10.238 Active Grant

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$4.9M FY2026
$4.9M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 From FY 2022 through FY 2025, the University of Vermont Institute of Rural Partnerships (IORP-VT) implemented the physical renovation of a central university building, the Joseph L. Hills Agricultural Science Building, to house the Institute for Rural Partnerships (IRP). The major renovations included new electrical service and mechanical systems, a new elevator, an updated lobby space between Hills and the connected Benedict Auditorium, and a new patio and stairs leading up to the main enterance of the Institute. IRP is focusing on early-stage businesses, non-profits, and community initiatives that would benefit from strong collaboration with university faculty, graduate students, research facilities, and business start-up resources to achieve sustainability. IRP is accelerating the viability of early-stage companies, technologies, and solutions to address the unique challenges of rural communities and meet the needs of rural communities, farmers, and residents

Program Objective

Section 780 of the FY 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103), appropriated funding, to remain available until expended, for costs associated with the establishment of an Institute of Rural Partnership, located at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT (IORP-VT). USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will implement these funds under the authority provided by 7 USC 3318. NIFA issued a single grant to the University of Vermont, and the project was completed in Summer 2025.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Other

NIFA intends to issue a single grant to the University of Vermont, with a four-year performance period.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Single grant to the University of Vermont for a 4-year period.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 30 to 60 days

Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for more details.

Program details & compliance

Description

Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) are generally released annually. See the program NOFO for specific and detailed information. Specific instructions in the NOFOs supersede the general information provided in the Assistance Listing.

Mission Categories

Primary: Rural Community Development

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

NIFA intends to issue a single grant to the University of Vermont, with a four-year performance period.

Required Documentation

The System for Award Management (SAM) combines eight federal procurement systems, including CCR, and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one new system. CCR activities are conducted through SAM (the CCR website will redirect users to SAM). and System Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for Award Management (SAM): Each applicant (unless excepted under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) Provide a valid UEI number in its application; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. It also must state that the Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI15and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. Applicants must furnish the information required in the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs). Successful applicants recommended for funding must furnish the information and assurances requested during the award documentation process. These include, but are not limited to the following: Organizational Management Information - Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one time basis, with updates on an as needed basis, as part of the responsibility determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA, if such information has not been provided previously under this or another NIFA program. NIFA will provide copies of forms recommended for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the pre-award process. Although an applicant may be eligible based on its status as one of these entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual involved or a determination that an applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational management information). This information collection is approved under OMB Circular Control No. 0524-0026, “Assurance of Compliance with the Department of Agriculture Regulations Assuring Civil Rights, Compliance and Organization Information.” SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database.
2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Ashley Mueller
202-555-1212
National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205 Courier/Package Delivery Address: 2312 East Bannister Road, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-3061,, Kansas City, MO 64141
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-04. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:35:05.