Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Climate Resilient Cereals (CRCIL) | 7200AA23RFA00007

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Climate Resilient Cereals (CRCIL)

1) What is the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Climate Resilient Cereals (CRCIL)?

CRCIL is a USAID-funded global research initiative structured as a Leader with Associates Cooperative Agreement. Its purpose is to build and steer a coordinated research program to strengthen the climate resilience of major cereal crops that are central to food security in many Feed the Future (FTF) countries.

2) What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The goal is to create a coordinated research-to-breeding pipeline that discovers novel alleles (useful genetic variations) linked to climate adaptation traits, validates those traits, and transfers validated alleles into elite breeding lines to support development of climate-resilient cereal varieties.

3) Which cereal crops are specifically targeted?

The opportunity names four target crops: rice, wheat, sorghum, and millet.

4) What types of research activities are emphasized?

The notice emphasizes an end-to-end pipeline that includes: (1) genetic discovery of candidate alleles associated with climate adaptation traits, (2) verification and validation of trait effects and usefulness under relevant conditions, and (3) delivery-oriented breeding support by incorporating validated alleles into high-performing, locally relevant breeding lines.

5) What does "novel alleles" mean in this context?

In this opportunity, "novel alleles" refers to useful genetic variations that are associated with traits that improve crop performance under climate stress. The work focuses on discovering and identifying these alleles and then confirming their value through validation before using them in breeding.

6) What is meant by "validating those traits"?

Validation refers to confirming that the identified alleles and their linked traits have real, useful effects under relevant conditions. It involves moving beyond discovery to demonstrate that the traits improve performance in ways that matter for breeding and eventual variety development.

7) What does it mean to "transfer" validated traits into elite breeding lines?

It means incorporating (introgressing or otherwise integrating) validated alleles into elite, high-performing breeding lines that are relevant for target regions. The intent is to produce improved germplasm that breeding programs can use to accelerate variety development, release, and adoption.

8) Does the opportunity list specific climate stressors to be addressed?

No specific stressors are listed in the provided notice summary. The framing around "traits critical in climate adaptation" typically implies conditions such as heat, drought, variable rainfall, flooding or waterlogging, and shifting pest and disease pressures associated with climate change, but the opportunity description itself does not enumerate a required list.

9) What outcomes is USAID seeking from this work?

The stated intent is to generate improved germplasm and research outputs that partners in target regions can use to accelerate the release and adoption of climate-resilient cereal varieties.

10) Where are the results expected to be relevant?

Results are expected to be relevant in Feed the Future (FTF) countries and also in nearby regions that share similar farming systems and climate risks.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is explicitly restricted to U.S. colleges and universities as defined under Section 296(d) of Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA). The eligible applicant types include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, provided they meet the Title XII definition.

12) Are non-U.S. universities or non-university organizations eligible as the prime applicant?

No. Based on the provided information, eligibility is narrow and restricted to U.S. colleges and universities that meet the Title XII definition. The notice summary does not describe eligibility for non-U.S. institutions or non-university entities as prime applicants.

13) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

Subject to available funding, USAID indicates it plans to make one award to the applicant judged most responsive to the objectives and best aligned with the selection criteria in the full funding opportunity.

14) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This generally implies substantial involvement by USAID during implementation compared to a standard grant.

15) What is the award ceiling?

The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $37,000,000.

16) Is this opportunity described as an earmark?

Yes. The opportunity is categorized as an earmark in the provided information.

17) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 7200AA23RFA00007.

18) What CFDA number is associated with this program?

The program carries CFDA number 98.001.

19) What activity category is this opportunity listed under?

The program is listed under the Disaster Prevention and Relief activity category.

20) When was the posting created?

The posting was created on February 27, 2023.

21) What is the application deadline?

The application closing deadline is June 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM Washington, D.C. time.

22) Who is the point of contact for this opportunity?

The point of contact listed for submissions or questions is Leah Leach. The email provided is lleach@usaid.gov.

23) Which U.S. government agency is publishing this opportunity?

The opportunity is published by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

24) What does "Leader with Associates" indicate about the program structure?

It indicates the initiative is structured as a Leader with Associates Cooperative Agreement, with the Leader activity intended to build and steer a coordinated global research program that can align research activities and outputs across relevant efforts.

25) What is the practical focus of the research-to-breeding approach described?

The practical focus is bridging cutting-edge genetics with applied plant breeding outcomes by ensuring discoveries (candidate alleles) are validated and then used in breeding to create improved, high-performing germplasm for climate-resilient cereal development.