Technical Agricultural Assistance

To identify international agricultural issues and problems and apply the most appropriate solutions in agricultural technical assistance and research. Implement capacity building projects that help U.S. trading partners understand and implement science-based international standards and practices.

This includes conducting joint or coordinated research, extension, and teaching activities that address problems of significance to food and agriculture in support of the development of a viable and sustainable global agricultural system, the development of a viable and sustainable global agricultural system, antihunger and improved international nutrition efforts, and increased quantity, quality, and availability of food; and working with transitional and more advanced countries in food, agricultural, and related research, development, teaching, and extension (including providing technical assistance, training, and advice to persons from the countries engaged in the activities and the stationing of scientists and other specialists at national and international institutions in the countries)

State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, Federal and private agencies and organizations, individuals, and any other organization, whether foreign or domestic.

n.b. Individual Notices of Funding Opportunity may be made available to a subset of these organizations.

Technical assistance provided through these agreements generally benefits agricultural institutions in specified countries or multilateral institutions, or supports programming that does so.

USDA/FAS will convene a review panel, which may include both federal and non-federal reviewers, to review eligible applications. The reviewers will ensure that the applicant is capable of delivering the programs/activities as described in the announcement based on the applicant’s project narrative and assign a score and provide summary comments. The review panel will make a recommendation list to the selecting official (generally, the Director or Senior Director for the cognizant operating group), who is not a member of the panel.

The selecting official may select applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, such as geographical distribution, incorporation of minority-serving institutions, or congressional directive. Selection determinations are final and cannot be appealed.

Prior to selection, the agency may contact the highest-ranking applicants to seek clarification and to negotiate technical and programmatic aspects of the application. If an application includes a subaward, FAS may request to speak with all parties included in the application to ensure sufficient planning and coordination has taken place prior to making an award.