[USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/)

August 6, 2025

$958,410 (single award, 24-month duration)

Supports creation of a secure, neutral data repository and cooperative to advance agricultural innovation through shared data frameworks.

No matching funds required; organizations only (not individuals).

--- ## Description This program invests in the development of a neutral and secure data repository and cooperative where producers, universities, and nonprofit entities can store and share agricultural data. The goal is to foster innovation, support technological progress, improve production efficiencies, and promote environmental stewardship in U.S. agriculture. The funded project must develop a sustainable, widely accessible framework that incorporates FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles, address security and privacy, and ensure broad stakeholder participation—including all types of Land-grant Universities, data producers, growers, and consumer organizations. Public-private partnerships are encouraged. The project must include clear management, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement plans. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: August 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time --- ## Funding Amount - Total available funding: $958,410 - Expected number of awards: 1 - Project duration: 24 months - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants are organizations only (not individuals). - Examples include: - State agricultural experiment stations - Colleges and universities (including Land-grant institutions) - University research foundations - Other research institutions and organizations - Federal agencies - National laboratories - Private organizations, foundations, or corporations - Any group consisting of two or more of the above entities - Applicants must meet all requirements outlined in the Request for Applications (RFA). - Duplicate submissions to different NIFA programs within the same fiscal year are not allowed. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360043). - Required documents include: - Project Summary/Abstract - Project Narrative (max 15 pages) - Bibliography & References Cited - Data Management Plan (max 2 pages) - Mentoring Plan (if applicable) - Facilities & Other Resources - Biographical Sketch(es) - Conflict of Interest Lists - Current and Pending Support - Budget and Budget Justification - Indirect Costs (IDC) are capped at 30% of Total Federal Funds Awarded. - Refer to the [NIFA Grants Application Guide](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/application-resources/nifa-grants-application-guide) for detailed instructions. --- ## Additional Information - The program aims to ensure widespread participation and responsible use of the data framework. - The framework should support integration with current and future tools, and address regulatory and legal compliance. - Stakeholder feedback and engagement are critical and must be documented in the project plan. - No matching or cost sharing is required. - Indirect costs above 30% of the federal award are unallowable. - Reasonable accommodation and language access services are available if requested at least 10 days before the deadline. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Open Data Framework](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/open-data-framework) - [Full RFA (PDF)](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/FY25-ODF-RFA-P.pdf) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360043) - [NIFA Grants Application Guide](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/application-resources/nifa-grants-application-guide) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Notes | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | General Application Support | [grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov](mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov) | Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, except federal holidays | | Program Contact | [Rachel Seman-Varner](mailto:Rachel.seman-varner@usda.gov) | National Program Leader | | Program Specialist | [Iesha McGruder](mailto:Iesha.mcgruder@usda.gov) | | | Awards Administration | [awards@usda.gov](mailto:awards@usda.gov) | For questions about awards under this RFA | Postal Mailing Address: National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-6205 Courier/Package Delivery Address: National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture 2312 East Bannister Road, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-3061 ---

Open Data Framework

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