USDA Foreign
Agricultural Service
Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program
with
the People’s Republic of China
Deadline: Friday,
January 30, 2009
FY 2009 SCEP Application Guide (.pdf)
SF 424 Application for
Federal Assistance
—
Instructions for
completing the form
Overview
The Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program
with the People’s Republic of China (SCEP)
supports international exchanges that promote
agricultural development and economic growth,
and mitigate animal and plant health issues that
impede trade. This unique program offers
excellent opportunities for U.S. teams of up to
5 members to initiate linkages with potential
long-term collaborators at Chinese institutions
throughout the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Under a special USDA Scientific Technological
Exchange Agreement with the PRC, the Chinese
Ministry of Agriculture specifically tailors
two-week visits to China to meet the scientific
objectives of each team. U.S. teams are
responsible only for their international airfare
to and from China.
Priorities
In 2009, the Scientific Cooperation Exchange
Program will accept proposals for food safety,
animal and plant health, agricultural
biotechnology and other emerging technologies,
food and non-food product development, and
sustainable plant and animal production, and
natural resources management. Projects will
support economic development and trade
capacity-building and expand market
opportunities for agricultural, fish, and forest
products.
Priority will be given to innovative
proposals that address critical agricultural
market, environmental, and trade-related
concerns of both countries. Trade-related
activities include the safe and appropriate use
of biotechnology; address the sanitary and phyto-sanitary
(SPS) issues of food safety and animal and plant
health, and development of new agricultural
products. Science-based SPS measures help ensure
that food is safe for consumers, and prevent the
spread of pests or diseases among animals and
plants.
In SPS, 'sanitary' refers to human and animal
health, including fish and wild fauna; while
‘phyto-sanitary’ pertains to plant health,
including forests and wild flora. Natural
resource management proposals might deal with
water availability and management, climate
change, animal waste management and other
environmental impact issues.
Background
USDA signed a cooperative agreement with the
Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic
of China in 1978 to exchange scientific teams
and technical information. Since that agreement,
which was incorporated into the umbrella of the
U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation
Agreement in 1979, more than 2,000 American and
Chinese scientists have participated in
exchanges under the SCEP. SCEP exchanges have
helped promote U.S. agricultural priorities,
encourage long-term cooperation in agricultural
science and technology, create a positive
atmosphere for agricultural trade, and enhance
overall relations between the United States and
People's Republic of China.
Eligibility
Who may apply?
U.S. scientists affiliated with a college or
university, a federal or state agency, or a
private, nonprofit organization may apply.
Proposals are especially encouraged from
scientists early in their career, women
scientists, and scientists or institutions
representing under-served and under-represented
communities, particularly American Indian,
Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Asian
American, and African American. U.S.
institutions include those in American Samoa,
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Target Subject
Areas
The 2009 cycle of the annual competitive
Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program with the
People’s Republic of China welcomes proposals
for joint activities of mutual benefit in food
safety, animal and plant health, agricultural
and forestry related marketing and trade, and
environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Food Safety
Develop and improve techniques and
strategies to promote food safety
Improve technologies to help assure the
safety of food products and justify safety
standards and regulations for food
production and handling
Animal and Plant Health
Develop technologies to more quickly and
accurately identify and control the spread
of animal and plant-borne diseases and
pests, particularly those with the potential
to spread to humans
Identify appropriate measures for
surveillance, monitoring, control and/or
eradication of animal and plant pests and
diseases
Minimize the impact of animal and plant
pest and disease outbreaks
Agricultural Biotechnology and Emerging
Technologies
Improve food safety and environmental
safety risk management tools for regulation,
production, and marketing of biotechnology
products
Build capacities to develop, manage, and
regulate agricultural biotechnology
Assess the impact of biotechnology crops
on agricultural productivity and economic
growth
Increase agricultural applications of
nanotechnology
Enhance development of information
technologies such as agricultural digital
libraries and improve applications for plant
and animal health
Food Processing and Product Development
Develop new products and processing
techniques to increase the availability of
nutritious foods, such as nutraceuticals,
functional foods, traditional medicinal
foods, and biofortification
Develop and improve organic products and
high-value, consumer-oriented products
Non-Food Product Development
Improve and create new products,
practices and markets, such as biofuels that
use plant residues for ethanol and biodiesel
production
Generate new technologies and tools that
support the development, processing, and
marketing of specialty and non-food products
Sustainable Plant and Animal Management
Promote economically and environmentally
sustainable crop, livestock, and aquaculture
management, including animal waste
management
Promote environmentally sustainable
water management practices
Minimize the use of agricultural
chemicals using integrated pest management
and new techniques such as biotechnology for
biological control agents, mass production
of biopesticides, and bioengineered plants
Develop and improve planting seed,
livestock genetics, feeds and forages
Funding
The SCEP provides funding in support of
USDA’s Scientific Technological Exchange
Agreement with the People’s Republic of China (PRC)
for visits of teams in which the receiving
country covers all expenses for in-country
travel and per diem for visiting teams. Under
this agreement, teams with a maximum of 5
scientists are exchanged for up to 15 days per
team. Please be aware, however, that U.S.
participants are responsible for their
international airfare between the U.S. and
China, as are Chinese teams coming to the United
States.
Exchanges to China. U.S.
participants are responsible for their
international airfare to and from China as
well as stopovers in Hong Kong and Tokyo.
All exchange visits must start in Beijing.
No funds will be given to U.S. participants
by the SCEP or the PRC. The Chinese Ministry
of Agriculture will provide meals, lodging,
interpreter and domestic and local
transportation for U.S. teams within the
People's Republic of China.
Exchanges to the U.S. USDA’s SCEP
reciprocates by receiving and paying travel
and per diem expenses within the United
States of visiting Chinese teams. Teams from
the PRC are responsible for their
international airfare and are selected,
approved, and coordinated by the Chinese
Ministry of Agriculture. USDA’S pay for one
additional team member to serve as the
team’s interpreter.
Application
Deadline
SCEP applications may be submitted either
electronically or as printed copies by mail or
hand delivery by Friday, January 30, 2009.
Any changes to the SCEP deadline or
guidelines will be accessible on the Foreign
Agricultural Service website at:
http://www.fas.usda.gov/icd/grants/scep/scep.asp.
Electronic Applications
Electronic applications must be submitted to
Khaliaka.Meardry@fas.usda.gov or
Nora.Banks@fas.usda.gov
by Friday,
January 30, 2009. Note:
Applications will NOT be accepted at grants.gov
this year.
Printed Applications
One original and four printed copies of the
completed application must be received at the
Foreign Agricultural Service headquarters in
Washington, D.C. by Friday, January 30, 2009.
Standard Form Application for Federal
Assistance SF-424
The generic, government-wide standard form
SF 424 Application for
Federal Assistance can be downloaded from
this Web site, along with
instructions for
completing the form.
Application
Preparation
Each application to the SCEP will require
only two forms: a project narrative and a
standard form SF 424.
- Project Narrative Attachment Form
The proposal’s project narrative discussed in
this section is outlined in detail in the
Proposal Narrative and Budget section.
For electronic applications, three types of
documents can be uploaded to an application
package: PDF - Portable Document Format, Word,
and Text files.
For printed copy applications, proposals
should be prepared on standard size, 8-1/2 x 11
inch white paper and printed on one side of the
page using 12 point font text.
Proposals for the SCEP may not exceed 10
single-spaced pages. Page numbering starts with
the cover page, and includes the proposal text,
biodata, and references.
- Standard Form Application for
Federal Assistance SF-424
The SF 424 is available for downloading
at the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB)
website, with other standard grants management
forms at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.
This OMB site also has a guide for obtaining a
DUNS number.
DUNS Number
All federal assistance applications from
institutions, including government agencies, and
print and electronic submissions, must now
include a DUNS number. A Dun and Bradstreet
(D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number is a unique nine-digit sequence
recognized as the universal standard for
identifying and keeping track of businesses
worldwide.
A DUNS number may be obtained at no cost by
calling toll-free at 1-866-705-5711. This is
recommended as the quickest means of obtaining a
new number if an institution does not already
have one. Applicants can also obtain a DUNS
number at
http://dnb.com/us/. Please note that this
method to obtain the DUNS number may take
several weeks.
Specific Information for the SCEP
Specific Information for the SCEP to be used
in completing the SF-424 includes the following
items:
-
Block 3 - Date Received by State
|
Do not
enter any information in this block. |
-
Block 4 - Date Received by Federal
|
Do not
enter any information in this block. |
|
Enter
information on the U.S. Institution |
-
Block 8 - Type of Application
|
Select
"New". |
-
Block 10 - Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Number
Title
|
Enter 10 - 961
Scientific Cooperation Research Program |
-
Block 16 - Is application subject to
review by State Executive Order
12372 process?
|
Select b.
The program is not covered. |
-
Block 15 - Estimated Funding
a. Federal
b. Applicant
|
Enter 0, the total requested from the
SCEP.
Enter the U.S. Institution’s
contributions. |
-
Block 18 a – Authorized
Representative
|
Enter
information on the administrative office
that signs agreements for your
institution. |
Electronic
Application Submission
FAS will receive applications to the SCEP
electronically at
Khaliaka.Meardry@fas.usda.gov
and
Nora.Banks@fas.usda.gov.
Applications to the SCEP will require only
two forms: a project narrative and a standard
form SF 424.
Project Narrative Attachment Form
Three types of documents can be uploaded to
the application package: PDF - Portable Document
Format, Word, and Text files. Preparation of the
proposal’s project narrative is outlined in
detail in the Proposal Narrative section.
Print Application
Submission
Applications by Mail or Hand Delivery
A completed SCEP application package with
original signatures and four copies must be
delivered to the USDA/FAS headquarters in
Washington, DC by Friday, January 30, 2009.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the
printed copies of the application through
overnight mail or delivery service to ensure
timely receipt by the USDA. The address for
hand-delivered applications or applications
submitted using an express mail or overnight
courier service is:
USDA,
Foreign Agricultural Service Trade of Capacity Building and
Development Trade and Scientific Exchanges Division Scientific Exchange ProgramAttention:
Khaliaka Meardry
|
USDA/FAS/OCBD/TSED/SE 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Room 3224 South Building Ag Stop1031 Washington, DC 20250-1031
Telephone: (202) 690-1866
Email:
Khaliaka.Meardry@fas.usda.gov
|
Application and
Review Notification
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be peer reviewed by U.S.
scientists. Projects will be selected according
to how well they meet the following criteria:
- Scientific or Technical Merit - Quality
of proposal, well-defined problem, clear
objectives, evidence of creativity and
innovation, suitability of investigators and
institutions, likelihood objectives can be
achieved
- Relevance - Addresses important U.S.
agricultural or forestry problems, potential
usefulness of research results, potential
for knowledge and technology transfer
- Potential for Furthering International
Cooperation - Expected contributions and
mutual benefits from collaboration
Notification of Awards
Award and decline letters are expected to be
sent to the U.S. Principal Investigators by
March 2009.
Award
Administration and Reporting
Administration
The U.S. investigators' institutions are
expected to fund and arrange for only their
international airfare to and from mainland
China.
Reporting
Short-term scientific exchanges will require
only a single report, due at the end of your
exchange visit.
Proposal Narrative
1. Cover Page
Proposal Title
The short title should clearly describe the
issue or research problem to be addressed by the
proposed scientific exchange.
Collaborating Foreign Country
List the People’s Republic of China.
Type of Project
List Short-term Scientific Exchange with
China.
Target Subject Area
List the target subject area(s) addressed in
the proposal.
U.S. Principal Investigator(s)
Include the name, title, institution, mailing
address, telephone, fax, and email.
List the primary principal investigator first
if there are co-principal investigators.
Chinese Principal Investigator(s)
Include the name, title, institution, mailing
address, telephone, fax, and email of current
Chinese collaborators. Chinese Principal
Investigator is not required. The Ministry of
Agriculture (MOA) in China can and will identify
contacts.
Preferred Start and End Dates of the
Scientific Exchange
Indicate the preferred start and end dates
for the team visit. Dates will need to be
approved and cleared by the Ministry of
Agriculture prior to making flight arrangements.
2. Abstract
In a paragraph for the general public,
describe the issue or research problem.
Highlight the scientific exchange’s benefits to
both the U.S. and the People’s Republic
of China. Discuss how the results of the
scientific exchange will contribute to solving
the problem. Include the contributions of
scientists in both countries.
3. Description
Introduction
Describe the scientific or technical issue.
Indicate the status of any current activities on
this topic with the People’s Republic of China,
including the contacts and institutions.
Indicate whether the Foreign Agricultural
Service has previously funded a related activity
of yours, and provide the title and date of the
activity.
Objectives of this Scientific Exchange
List the objectives. The scientific
exchange must address a 2009 Target Subject
Area. The program does not provide funds
for sabbatical study leaves or for attending
conferences.
Benefits to U.S. Agriculture or Forestry
Proposals must indicate a strong benefit to
U.S. agriculture or forestry and how it may
impact trade. Include plans for disseminating or
using the results of the scientific exchange
with China. Identify and, if possible, quantify
benefits expected from the scientific
cooperation.
Benefits to the People’s Republic of China
Describe the interests of China in
collaborating on the proposed activity.
Cooperative Arrangements
Describe the responsibilities of each
institution.
4. Work Plan
This section explains how you plan to
accomplish your objectives and should include:
Proposed dates of visits, including
seasonal, geographic, and other
considerations
Description of how objectives will be
met
Proposed schedule of activities and
location you want to visit.
5. References
Brief descriptions of the qualifications
of the participating Principal Investigators
Citations relevant to the project
Budget
Since SCEP funds are not provided directly to
the U.S. exchange teams visiting China under
this program, no budget is required. Please be
aware, however, that U.S. participants are
responsible for their international airfare and
stopovers between the U.S. and China.
Agency Contacts
Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program with
the People’s Republic of China
Prospective applicants are encouraged to
contact the program manager to discuss proposals
for short-term scientific exchanges with China.
Khaliaka Meardry, Project
Manager, Scientific Exchanges Branch, China
Exchanges Program
Telephone: (202) 690-1866 Email:
Khaliaka.Meardry@fas.usda.gov
or
Nora Banks, International Affairs Specialist
Telephone: (202) 720-3904 Email:
Nora.Banks@fas.usda.gov
Mailing Address:
USDA/FAS/OCBD/TSED/SE
Scientific Exchange Program
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 3224 South Building, Ag Stop 1031
Washington, DC 20250-1031
Att: Khaliaka Meardry
Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program
Web site:
http://www.fas.usda.gov/icd/grants/scep/scep.asp
FY 2009 SCEP Application Guide (.pdf)
SF 424 Application for
Federal Assistance
—
Instructions for
completing the form