This flowchart provides an overview of the Competitive 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
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APPLICANT ACTIONS
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Post and Announce Grant Opportunity (RFA-Request for Applications) Check the RFA Schedule for future opportunities. Sign up for opportunity announcements. |
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Search for Grants All competitive funding opportunities are available on RFA List or on Grants.gov. |
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Determine and Meet Eligibility & 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 see FAQs and/or consult the lead staff indicated. Go to grants.gov for requirements in order to submit applications. |
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Register to become a user of grants.gov
Note there are special requirements that need to be met to submit application (e.g. DUNS #, SAMS registration) - can take 6-8 weeks. |
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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. |
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Send Acknowledgement of Application Receipt
An acknowledgement email from NIFA with the proposal number should be received within 30 days after the application deadline. If you do not receive a NIFA assigned proposal number in email within 30 days after program deadline, contact the program staff listed in the RFA. |
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Review Applications
The NIFA peer review process may include steps such as forming a peer review panel, reviewing applications, and conducting a peer review panel. |
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Notify Applicant of Recommendation for Award
NIFA will contact the Project Director of recommended awards by phone and/or email. A communication embargo is enacted. |
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Provide Required Documentation
Timely response to agency requests is critical to ensure your award is processed efficiently. |
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Perform Pre-Award Administrative Review
NIFA staff reviews each recommended award for compliance with Uniform Guidance. |
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Respond to Agency Questions
Timely response to agency requests is critical to ensure your award is processed efficiently. |
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Process and Approve Award
Awards Management approves the award and stipulates General and applicable Specific Terms and Conditions. Financial Management reviews the award face sheet and approves the funding. A grant obligation will be created in the accounting system the following day. |
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Send Award Notification
Notice of Award is sent via electronic mail notification to both the Project Director and Authorized Representative, includes instructions on ASAP enrollment. |
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Announce Program Awards
For applicants receiving an award, the communication embargo is lifted and awardees should cite NIFA support in published manuscripts, presentations, press releases, and other communications. |
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Initiate ASAP Enrollment
NIFA initiates enrollment and establishes Recipient Organization & Point of Contact |
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Complete ASAP Enrollment
Requires timely completion of 5 tasks:
For assistance, email ASAPCustomerService@usda.gov
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Fund ASAP Account
NIFA establishes ASAP account, authorizes funds, and sends package to Treasury for funding. |
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Withdraw Funds
Funds are requested through ASAP and sent via 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 awards@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. |
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Process Award Close Out
Review and approve final technical report on activities completed and impacts. Any remaining balances are deauthorized/deobligated and ASAP accounts are closed. |
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