In recent months, CDA has surveyed and conducted in-depth discussions with individuals representing various segments of Colorado's specialty crops industry.  This process resulted in the development of recommendations concerning the allocation of funds.  These recommendations included that funds should be allocated to three strategic program areas:

Industry & Organizations
Competative Grant Program

At least 50 percent of funds available should be allocated for the Industry & Organizations Competitive Grant Program.

Scientific Research & Small,
Socially Disadvantaged &
Beginning Grower Grant Programs

Not more than 35 percent of funds available should be targeted for allocation to Colorado State University and/or other appropriate organizations for purposes of implementing two separate and distinct grant programs - one for Small, Socially Disadvantaged and Beginning Specialty Crop Growers  and the other to address Specialty Crops Scientific Research.

State-Wide Projects

At least 15 percent of funds available should be targeted for allocation to CDA for projects having broad, state-wide impact to Colorado's specialty crops industry.

Matching Fund Requirements

Any project to be undertaken will be required to demonstrate matching funds, either in cash and/or in-kind contribution, equal to at least 25 percent of the total project budjet.

For purposes of this Request for Proposals, proposals are limited to only the Industry and Organizations Competitive Grant Program.  Proposals to participate in the Small, Socially Disadvantaged and Beginning Specialty Crop Grower Research and Development Grant Program and the Specialty Crop Scientific Research Grant Program will be solicited at a later date.

 Eligibility Timeline

While CDA can not provide definitive dates concerning the eligibility of proposed projects until such time that USDA announces state allocations, applicants should consider the following timeline as a likely scenario to determine the eligibility of projects.

 Project Proposals to CDA ......................................................  May 29, 2009
 Proposal Review & Selection ..................................................  July 1, 2009
 Colorado Plan Submitted to USDA ......................................... August 1, 2009
 USDA Approval of Colorado Plan .......................................... September 15, 2009
 Contracting with Program Participants Completed .................... October 31, 2009
 Earliest Date for Projects to Begin .......................................... November 1, 2009
 Latest Date that Projects can be Completed ............................ December 31, 2010

 Proposal Guidelines

• Grant award amounts will be determined on the basis of a competitive review and evaluation of each proposal. 
• Funds will be released to the applicant through the reimbursement of documented expenses incurred after the contract effective date. 
• Reimbursement of expenses will be contingent upon compliance with Program guidelines as set forth by CDA. 
• Claims for reimbursement may not be made more often than monthly.
• Grants will be made in support of specialty crops grown in the State of Colorado and are intended to supplement private, state, or third party participant funding.
• Funds may not be utilized for paying down current debt, purchasing equipment, construction/building costs, or for indirect institutional overhead costs.