Completed applications shall be clear and succinct and shall include the following documentation satisfactory to AMS.
(a) Completed applications must include an SF-424 ``Application for Federal Assistance''.
(b) Completed applications must also include one State plan to show how grant funds will be utilized to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The state plan shall include the following:
(1) Cover page. Include the lead agency for administering the plan and an abstract of 200 words or less for each proposed project.
(2) Project purpose. Clearly state the specific issue, problem, interest, or need to be addressed. Explain why each project is important and timely.
(3) Potential impact. Discuss the number of people or operations affected, the intended beneficiaries of each project, and/or potential economic impact if such data are available and relevant to the project(s).
(4) Financial feasibility. For each project, provide budget estimates for the total project cost. Indicate what percentage of the budget covers administrative costs. Administrative costs should not exceed 10 percent of any proposed budget. Provide a justification if administrative costs are higher than 10 percent.
(5) Expected measurable outcomes. Describe at least two discrete, quantifiable, and measurable outcomes that directly and meaningfully support each project's purpose. The outcome measures must define an event or condition that is external to the project and that is of direct importance to the intended beneficiaries and/or the public.
(6) Goal(s). Describe the overall goal(s) in one or two sentences for each project.
(7) Work plan. Explain briefly how each goal and measurable outcome will be accomplished for each project. Be clear about who will do the work. Include appropriate time lines. Expected measurable outcomes may be long term that exceed the grant period. If so, provide a timeframe when long term outcome measure will be achieved.
(8) Project oversight. Describe the oversight practices that provide sufficient knowledge of grant activities to ensure proper and efficient administration.
(9) Project commitment. Describe how all grant partners commit to and work toward the goals and outcome measures of the proposed project(s).
(10) Multi-state projects. If the project is a multi-state project, describe how the States are going to collaborate effectively with related projects. Each State participating in the project should submit the project in their State plan indicating which State is taking the coordinating role and the percent of the budget covered by each State.