This flowchart provides an overview of the Capacity Grants life cycle.
Understanding the life cycle of the award process can help you determine actions you may be responsible for within each step and can be a useful planning tool in preparing for Pre-Award, Award, and Post-Award activities.
NIFA ACTIONS | APPLICANT ACTIONS | ||
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Application package posted in Grants.gov Request for Application (RFA) and funding opportunity number sent via email from the Awards Management Division (AMD) Capacity Branch to legislatively-determined grantees. | |||
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Complete registrations at both Grants.gov and ezFedGrants.gov Note the registration process (e.g. DUNS/UEI #, SAM registration) may take 6-8 weeks. | ||
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View Applicable Funding Opportunity from AMD Capacity Branch Registered grantees click on links emailed by NIFA to view the application package in Grants.gov | |||
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Application Requirements Please read the RFA for more information. If you have specific program questions, contact the program contact listed in the RFA. For generic questions, please contact the Administrative Contact. Go to Grants.gov for requirements in order to submit applications. | |||
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Apply for Grant Remember to include all the application content required by the program you are applying to. Once submitted, a confirmation with tracking number will be sent from Grants.gov. | |||
Review Applications Applications are reviewed to ensure all document requirements are received and met. Agency to notify applicant of any questions. |  | ||
| Respond to Agency Questions Timely response to agency requests is critical to ensure your award is processed efficiently. | ||
Process and Approve Award AMD Capacity Branch approves the award and stipulates General and applicable Specific Terms and Conditions. Financial Management Division reviews the Notice of Award and approves the funding. | | ||
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Send Award Notification Notice of Award is posted in ezFedGrants with email notification to both the Project Director and Authorized Representative, includes the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Award Letter. | |||
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Fund ASAP Account NIFA sends funding to an ASAP account, authorizes funds, and sends information to US Treasury. | |||
| Withdraw Funds Funds are requested through ASAP and sent via Automated Clearing House (ACH) to Grantee's bank account. | ||
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Submit Reports Please reference applicable award Terms and Conditions on your Notice of Award and the NIFA Policy Guide for annual progress and financial report requirements. | |||
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Revise Award (as needed) Requests for prior approval and/or award revisions may be submitted to capacityequipment@usda.gov | |||
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Submit Close Out Documentation Please reference applicable award Terms and Conditions on your Notice of Award and the NIFA Policy Guide for award closeout procedures. | |||
Process Award Close Out Review and approve final financial report (SF-425) in ezFedGrants. Any remaining balances are deauthorized/deobligated and ASAP accounts are closed. | | ||