OpportunityTitle: FY2015 Professional Standards Training Grant
CategoryExplanation: The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 (P.L. 111-296) made significant changes to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs in all aspects of program administration. These changes require that school nutrition personnel at every level of administration have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to properly operate and oversee the programs.  Among these requirements, Section 306 of the Act directed the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish minimum national professional standards for all school nutrition employees who manage and operate the School Meal Programs. Establishing professional standards will ensure that school nutrition personnel have the knowledge and training necessary to perform their duties and responsibilities effectively.  The proposed professional standards developed by USDA include minimum hiring standards for the selection of State directors and local school nutrition program directors; and continuing education/training requirements for all school nutrition program employees (79 FR 6488).  We anticipate that a final rule will be issued in early 2015, with the final requirements tentatively targeted for implementation July 1, 2015. While there will be modifications to the proposed rule based on public comments, the general training topics set forth in the proposed rule cover all key aspects of School Meal Program administration and may be relied upon in developing a training program.   This RFA is for a New Program and is a current fiscal year funding opportunity.
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: 1.  Eligible applicantsOnly State agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) may apply. 2.  Cost Sharing / Matching RequirementThere is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant project.3.  Other eligibility criteria:Eligible applicants may only submit one application package in response to this solicitation.
Description: This funding opportunity may be subject to the requirements of EO 12372, &#8220;Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs&#8221;. This Executive Order was issued with the desire to foster the intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on State and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. The Order allows each State to designate an entity to perform this function. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. For a list of State agency contacts, please visit the Office of Management website at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/5. Funding RestrictionsPre-award costs will/will not be awarded for this grant project.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: email link
GrantorContactText: Leslie DavisByrd &lt;br/&gt;Grants Officer &lt;br/&gt;Phone 703-305-2867