OFS21 | OFS21

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - USDA FNS Grant Opportunity OFS21

What is the OFS21 grant opportunity?

OFS21 is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It is categorized under the Food and Nutrition funding activity area.

Which federal agency and program office are offering this grant?

This opportunity is offered by the USDA, specifically through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

What is the CFDA number associated with OFS21?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 10.585.

What type of funding instrument is used for OFS21?

The funding instrument type is a grant, meaning selected recipients would receive financial assistance to carry out approved activities aligned with USDA FNS program goals.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is Food and Nutrition.

Who is eligible to apply for OFS21?

Eligible applicants are private institutions of higher education. This indicates the applicant pool is limited to private colleges and universities that meet federal eligibility requirements.

Is this opportunity open to all organizations?

No. Based on the listed eligibility, the opportunity is limited to private institutions of higher education rather than being broadly open to all organization types.

How many awards are expected to be made under OFS21?

Only one award is expected under this opportunity, which suggests a narrow scope and potentially a highly constrained competition (if competitive at all).

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for OFS21?

The award ceiling is $643,000, meaning the maximum award amount expected for a successful applicant is up to $643,000.

When was the OFS21 opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on August 19, 2021.

What was the application closing date for OFS21?

The original closing date was August 30, 2021.

How long was the application window?

Based on the created date (August 19, 2021) and the closing date (August 30, 2021), the submission period was about 11 days, which is relatively short compared to many federal grant competitions.

Does the short application period suggest anything about the nature of this grant?

Yes. A short application window can be a sign of a targeted or pre-planned funding action rather than a broad, open-ended solicitation that remains open for several weeks or months.

What does the brief description "KSU" indicate?

The description "KSU" typically suggests the project is intended for, or connected to, a specific institution (often abbreviated as KSU) rather than being designed as a wide-open competition. The publicly provided description is minimal, so the title and abbreviation are the main clues about intended use.

Is OFS21 likely to be a broad competitive program?

Based on the limited eligibility (private institutions of higher education), the expectation of only one award, and the short application window, it appears to be narrowly defined rather than a broad multi-award program.

What does it mean that OFS21 is a discretionary grant?

It means the award is not automatic or entitlement-based; USDA FNS can select recipients consistent with program goals and the terms of the opportunity.

What can be inferred about the purpose or intended recipient from the information provided?

Only limited inferences can be made from the posted details. However, the combination of a one-award expectation, a capped maximum amount, a short submission period, and the "KSU" description points toward a focused funding action potentially connected to a specific institution or specialized initiative.

Is detailed project information available in the description provided?

No. The publicly provided description is minimal, so specifics about activities, deliverables, or project requirements are not included in the information provided here.