CFR > Title 7 - Agriculture > SUBTITLE B—Regulations of the Department of Agriculture > CHAPTER XXXIV—NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (parts 3400 to 3431) > PART 3430—COMPETITIVE AND NONCOMPETITIVE NON-FORMULA FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS—GENERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS > SUBPART J—Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (§3430.600 to §3430.609) > 3430.608—Review criteria.

3430.608—Review criteria.

(a) Evaluation criteria. CSREES shall evaluate project proposals according to the following factors:
(1) Relevancy.
(2) Technical merit.
(3) Achievability.
(4) The expertise and track record of one or more applicants.
(5) The adequacy of plans for the participatory evaluation process, outcome-based reporting, and the communication of findings and results beyond the immediate target audience.
(6) Other appropriate factors, as determined by the Secretary.
(b) Partnership and collaboration. In making awards under this subpart, CSREES shall give priority to partnerships and collaborations that are led by or include nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.
(c) Regional balance. In making awards under this subpart, CSREES shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure geographical diversity.