Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Capacity Grants

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
arrow pointing down to NIFA Action step   arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step
• NIFA ACTIONS •

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.

   
arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step  
• APPLICANT ACTIONS •

Complete registrations at both Grants.gov and ezFedGrants.gov

Note the registration process (e.g. DUNS/UEI #, SAM registration) may take 6-8 weeks.

    arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step
   
View Applicable Funding Opportunity from AMD Capacity Branch

Registered grantees click on links emailed by NIFA to view the application package in Grants.gov

    arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step
   
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. 

    arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step
   
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.

  arrow pointing to next NIFA Action step
arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step  
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.

  arrow pointing to next NIFA Action step
arrow pointing to next NIFA Action step    
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.

   
arrow pointing to next NIFA Action step    
Fund ASAP Account

NIFA sends funding to an ASAP account, authorizes funds, and sends information to US Treasury.

   
arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step  
Withdraw Funds

Funds are requested through ASAP and sent via Automated Clearing House (ACH) to Grantee's bank account.

    arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step
   
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.

    arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step
   
Revise Award (as needed)

Requests for prior approval and/or award revisions may be submitted to capacityequipment@usda.gov

    arrow pointing to next Applicant Action step
   
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.

  arrow pointing to next NIFA Action step
     
Website Survey CTA Image Desktop

Your feedback is important to us.