Open Data Framework

The Open Data Framework program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is authorized under federal appropriations legislation and is designed to support national agricultural priorities through research investments. The program reflects USDA priorities to strengthen agricultural productivity, market expansion, food security, and innovation while ensuring that research outcomes benefit farmers, ranchers, and the broader agricultural ecosystem. NIFA emphasizes merit-based funding and encourages stakeholder engagement across the agricultural sector. The purpose of the Open Data Framework program is to develop a neutral and secure data repository and cooperative that enables producers, universities, and nonprofit entities to store, share, and utilize agricultural data. The program aims to foster innovation, improve production efficiencies, and support technological advancement in agriculture. Projects are expected to align with key priorities such as increasing farm profitability, expanding markets, improving soil health, protecting agriculture from invasive species, and enhancing human health through nutrition and food quality. Funding for this opportunity is fixed, with a total anticipated program amount of $923,325 and only one expected award. Both the minimum and maximum award amounts are set at $923,325, indicating a single fully funded project. The grant period ranges from 24 to 36 months. Funds must be used strictly for project-related activities that support the development and implementation of the data framework, including infrastructure, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Indirect costs are capped at 30 percent of total federal funds awarded, and all expenditures must comply with federal cost principles and USDA regulations. Eligibility is limited to organizations rather than individuals. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, state agricultural experiment stations, private organizations, foundations, corporations, federal agencies, and national laboratories. The program strongly encourages collaboration across a wide range of stakeholders, including land-grant universities, growers, consumer organizations, and data producers. Applications must demonstrate inclusive participation and address the needs and benefits for all sectors involved, particularly farmers and ranchers. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the specified funding opportunity number. Required application components include a project summary, a detailed project narrative limited to 15 pages, a data management plan, and supporting documents such as budgets and personnel profiles. The narrative must cover objectives, methodology, timeline, management plan, and stakeholder engagement strategy. A mentoring plan is recommended if the project includes student participation. All materials must follow the NIFA Grants Application Guide and be submitted in PDF format. Applications are evaluated through a two-step process that includes administrative screening and scientific peer review. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, qualifications of project personnel, project relevance, quality of the data management plan, and budget justification. Equal weight is given to each criterion, and proposals must demonstrate feasibility, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with program goals. Review panels include experts from academia, industry, and government to ensure balanced and relevant evaluation. The application deadline is June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be issued before the end of the federal fiscal year, with project start dates no later than September 30, 2026. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email at ODF@usda.gov or reach administrative support through grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov. The program is not explicitly stated as recurring, and applicants should treat this as a single-cycle funding opportunity unless otherwise announced.

Ensure strong stakeholder engagement plan and clearly demonstrate feasibility and data management strategy aligned with FAIR principles