FY_19_TIG_Grant | USDA FNS TIG 2019

FY_19_TIG_Grant (USDA FNS) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the FY_19_TIG_Grant?

FY_19_TIG_Grant is a USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) competitive grant opportunity focused on modernizing the technology that States use to administer and oversee the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). The program supports the development or improvement of automated information systems used for CNP operations and management.

2) Which federal agency runs this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

3) What is the funding authority behind this grant?

The funding authority comes from the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 115-141), enacted March 23, 2018. That law set aside funding for grants aimed at developing or improving automated information systems that support CNP operations and management.

4) How much funding was available for FY 2019?

For fiscal year 2019, FNS indicated there was about $15 million available in total for this initiative. The intent was to fund a limited number of strong proposals demonstrating practical and innovative technology upgrades.

5) How many awards were expected?

The notice anticipated about 8 awards, reflecting a competitive program designed to support a limited number of higher-impact projects.

6) What was the maximum award size (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling was $2,000,000 per award.

7) What type of award is this (grant, contract, etc.)?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement. That typically means recipients should expect ongoing federal involvement or collaboration consistent with a cooperative agreement, rather than a fully hands-off award structure.

8) What is the main purpose of the FY_19_TIG_Grant?

The core purpose is to push States toward technology solutions that make CNP administration more accurate, transparent, and measurable. The request for applications emphasizes improving program accountability and data accuracy, strengthening tools for program performance measurement, and increasing capacity to identify and target error-prone areas in program operations.

9) What kinds of technology improvements does the solicitation emphasize?

Based on the description provided, the solicitation emphasizes technology and workflow improvements that:

• Improve program accountability and data accuracy
• Support program performance measurement
• Increase the ability to identify and target error-prone areas
• Help pinpoint problem locations or functions across CNP activities at the State level and at the LEA/Sponsor level
• Reduce administrative errors and strengthen oversight
• Produce cleaner, more usable data for monitoring compliance and performance

10) Which Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) are referenced in the description?

The description references technology improvements that support oversight and administration across programs such as:

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• School Breakfast Program (SBP)
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility, as described in the narrative, is targeted to State agencies that administer the Child Nutrition Programs, since the goal is to upgrade statewide systems supporting CNP oversight and administration. The source data also lists county governments as eligible applicants; however, the program description repeatedly frames the intended applicants as State agencies responsible for CNP administration.

12) What grant tracks are available under FY_19_TIG_Grant?

The opportunity supports two tracks:

• Planning Grants
• Implementation Grants

13) What is a Planning Grant under this opportunity?

Planning Grants are designed for States that need to scope, design, and prepare for a future technology effort. The description specifically mentions activities such as conducting needs assessments, defining requirements, developing project plans, and preparing for procurement and deployment.

14) What is an Implementation Grant under this opportunity?

Implementation Grants are intended for States that are ready to build, deploy, or significantly enhance technology solutions and integrate them into real program operations.

15) Can a State apply for both a Planning Grant and an Implementation Grant in this competition?

No. The solicitation restricts applicants to choosing only one track in the 2019 competition. A State may apply for either a Planning Grant or an Implementation Grant, but not both.

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is listed under CFDA 10.541 (Food and Nutrition).

17) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is USDA FNS TIG 2019.

18) When was the opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity creation date is November 28, 2018. The original application closing date was March 5, 2019.

19) What does the program mean by focusing on "error-prone areas"?

As described, the focus is on improving systems and workflows so administrators can better identify and target where errors are most likely to occur. That includes pinpointing problem locations or functions across CNP activities at the State level or at the level of Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and Sponsor Organizations (SOs). The overall goal is to reduce administrative errors and strengthen oversight using better data and technology.

20) What is the overall intent of the FY_19_TIG_Grant portfolio?

The available award details suggest FNS intended a mid-sized, competitive portfolio rather than a high-volume program: about $15 million total, roughly 8 awards expected, and up to $2,000,000 per award. The intent was to fund a limited number of substantial projects capable of producing measurable technology and data improvements, while allowing variation based on each State's readiness and needs.