Increasing Market Opportunities in Vietnam for U.S. Innovative Biofertilizer Exporters

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service administers this funding opportunity under its Technical Agricultural Assistance Program to strengthen international agricultural trade relationships and expand U.S. exports. This specific program focuses on increasing market opportunities in Vietnam for U.S. innovative biofertilizer exporters. The initiative builds on an existing effort known as Fertilize Right Vietnam, which has been implemented since 2023 in partnership with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and an international agricultural research organization. The program reflects USDA’s broader mission to enhance global food systems while advancing U.S. economic interests through agricultural exports. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support applied research, extension, and education collaborations between U.S. institutions and Vietnamese counterparts. The program is designed to increase fertilizer-use efficiency, enhance fertilizer effectiveness, and promote alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers. These objectives aim to help farmers reduce input costs while maintaining or improving crop yields, contributing to sustainable agricultural systems. A key component of the program is the application of the 4Rs nutrient management framework, which emphasizes the right fertilizer source, rate, timing, and placement. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with substantial involvement from USDA throughout the project lifecycle. The total program funding is 500000 dollars, with up to two awards anticipated at a maximum of 250000 dollars each. The period of performance is two years, during which recipients are expected to design and implement activities aligned with program objectives. Allowable uses of funds include research activities, collaboration efforts, outreach initiatives, and evaluation of market impacts. Restrictions apply to ensure compliance with federal regulations, including prohibitions on lobbying, litigation against the government, and use of funds as matching contributions for other federal awards. Indirect costs for nonprofit entities are capped at 10 percent of direct costs. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based state cooperative institutions and other colleges and universities as defined under federal statute. Applicants must maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management prior to submission. While cost sharing is not required, it is encouraged as part of the application. Applicants may submit multiple proposals and may receive more than one award if selected. The program requires evidence of eligibility and expects applicants to demonstrate relevant experience, organizational capacity, and the ability to meet reporting and performance requirements. The application process requires submission through the USDA ezFedGrants system. A complete application must include standard federal forms, a detailed budget and narrative, and a project plan outlining activities, timelines, collaborators, and expected outcomes. The project narrative is limited to ten pages and must clearly demonstrate how the proposed work will achieve program objectives. Additional required materials include resumes of key personnel and documentation of past performance on federal awards. Applications are evaluated based on technical approach, organizational capability, budget quality, and overall completeness and clarity. Key dates for this opportunity include a question submission deadline of August 26, 2026, and a final application deadline of September 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness before undergoing a merit-based evaluation by a review panel. Successful applicants are notified via email, and awards are formalized through signed agreements. Reporting requirements include quarterly financial and performance reports, as well as final reports submitted within 120 days after the project period ends. Program oversight includes monitoring, site visits, and compliance with federal administrative requirements. Recipients must adhere to reporting standards, maintain records, and disclose any conflicts of interest or legal violations related to the award. The USDA retains the right to review performance and ensure that funded activities align with program goals. This structured approach ensures accountability while supporting collaborative efforts to expand U.S. biofertilizer exports and strengthen agricultural partnerships with Vietnam.

Align proposal closely with program objectives and demonstrate measurable outcomes; include strong partner collaboration evidence; ensure budget clarity and compliance with federal cost rules