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(Continuation) USDA-ARS/USWBSI Funding Application Details

FY24-YR3 Continuation Funding Application Instructions

  • Congratulations on being recommended by the USWBSI for continuation of YR3 funding for your USDA-ARS/USWBSI project(s)!
  • Given the unique collaborative nature of USWBSI, the next step in the process is preparation of a funding application which will be provided to USDA-ARS for a formal agreement. All funding is distributed by USDA-ARS directly and is awarded yearly. Although the forms required by USDA-ARS are a little different, most of the content you will be able to copy and paste from your USWBSI September submission into your application.
  • It is recommended you prepare all your documentation before starting your submission.
  • You will not be able to edit your submission form once it has been submitted, you can start and return to adjust the form up until the point of submission.
  • All applications must be submitted no later than Thursday, February 8
  • The USWBSI NFO will be reviewing all application submissions and will notify you if any adjustments are needed. The goal is to have all agreement amendments in place by May. However, with the current federal budget short-term continuing resolution, the USDA-ARS cannot finalize agreements until the budget is approved and funds are released. We will keep you appraised of any adjustments in timing as we are notified.

Steps for Converting your USWBSI Project Submission into Your Continuation Funding Application for ARS

  • STEP 1 - Carefully review the Executive Committee and Review Panel comments provided in your award notice email. Revise the content of your funding application materials in response to the comments/recommendations. The EC comments will clearly specify any required changes.
  • STEP 2 - Complete your USDA-ARS/USWBSI Funding Application, your unique application form was attached to your award notice email. Key points to keep in mind:
    • Your cover page includes all the key funding details for your application, please review contact details, update if needed and check box if updates are incorporated.
    • Your cover page requires the PI signature and will only be accepted as a PDF file.
    • For each continuation project in your application a Project Summary of Progress and Explanation of Changes/Timeline is required; respond to prompts in the application. (These are the same as the USWBSI continuation submission you uploaded in September, but make sure to update based on comments received in your award notice email.)
    • If you have a new project that was recommended it will be included with your continuation and the required abstract form will also be included in your application packet. You will also be required to upload your full project description seperately in the submission form.
    • The last page of the application should include a written letter that demonstrates formal approval of your USDA-ARS Funding Application by authorized individuals at your institution (not applicable to USDA-ARS scientists). The letter should be signed by the responsible party in your sponsored programs office at your institution.  
  • STEP 3 - Complete the FY23 Budget Justification & Summary Excel template, link to template is provided in sidebar, select depending on number of projects in your application.
    • Follow instructions in worksheets, completing fields highlighted where needed. Narrative justification must accomodate any line item where funds are being requested, add text justifcation to the "detail" corresponding section highlighted.
    • Make sure all totals match the USWBSI EC Recommended Total Amount as specified in your email confirmation. For multi-project submissions, once all project budgets are combined the IDC/SBIR overall total may adjust slightly. 
    • This budget template is a modified version compared to your pre-proposal; you will need to reenter your budget numbers and narrative into this template from your pre-proposal. (Do not attempt to copy and paste entire column from pre-proposal as you may lose the formula calcuations. Green cells are locked and include required calculations for summary page.)
  • STEP 4 - With all your documentation complete, go to your unique FY24-YR3 Continuation Funding Application Submission Form (link was sent via separate email from <noreply-survey@umn.edu>) where the following items are required:
    • Your contact information 
    • Upload your signed Application, reminder this was included with your email confirmation (PDF)
    • For PIs with new projects only, upload a complete USWBSI project description form for your project (Word doc)
    • Upload your complete Budget Justification/Summary (Excel file)
    • Agree to the Communication Material Sharing policy
    • Sign and submit the submission

File Uploads

When preparing your files for upload, please name files as follows:

  • FY24_ContinuationApp_LastnameFirstinital
  • FY24_ContinuationBudget_LastnameFirstinitial
  • FY24_ProjectID_Description_LastnameFirstinitial (where "Project ID" = FY24-XX-XXX as noted on cover page) - Only if you have a new project starting in FY24