OPPORTUNITY:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD) Rural Business‐Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency) requests applications for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program—Phase 2 (MPPEP). USDA is making grant funding available to meat and poultry processors for new facilities and for the renovation and expansion of existing facilities. This will promote competition and give more and better options to producers by increasing meat and poultry processing capacity. Grants to meat and poultry processors have been delivered in two phases. This RFA is for MPPEP Phase 2; a separate RFA was issued in 2022 for MPPEP Phase I
DESCRIPTION:
Grant funds can be used for expenses during the period of performance of the grant award to expand processing capacity by supporting activities such as:
- Building, modernizing, or expanding existing processing facilities, including mobile slaughter units
- Modifying facilities or equipment to protect food safety
- Developing, installing, or modernizing equipment and technology
- Ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements
- Upholding occupational and other safety requirements
- Offsetting cost associated with becoming an inspected facility
- Staffing or operational costs specifically tied to the proposed project
- Supporting workforce recruitment, training, and retention
- Posting USDA’s standard infrastructure investment signage during the construction of the project
COST SHARING:
The applicant is required to share 70 percent of the total project cost
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
FUNDING AVAILABLE AND APPLICATION WINDOW:
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: $123 million. The maximum award amount is $10 million, or 30 percent of total project costs, whichever is less. The minimum award amount is $250,000. Projects including construction (and equipment associated with the project) are eligible for grants from $250,000 to $10 million. Projects that only require equipment purchases are eligible for grants from $5 million to $10 million.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 22, 2023
