Location: Microbiome and Metabolism Research
Project Number: 6026-10700-001-035-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2026
End Date: Jun 30, 2031
Objective:
The objective of this Non Funded Cooperative Agreement (NFCA) is to provide the basis on which Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cooperator: Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) agree to cooperate in the management and performance of research projects conducted at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC). This NFCA does not constitute a financial obligation to serve as a basis for expenditures. Any and all expenditures of federal funds made in conformity with the provisions of this NFCA must be according to USDA and ARS rules and regulations and in each instance based upon appropriate executed financial documents (i.e. agreements). The responsibilities assumed by both parties are contingent upon funds being available from which the expenditures may legally be met.
Approach:
To accomplish the objectives of this NFCA, the following approach will be implemented:
A. Research Projects:
All ARS funded research projects conducted at the ACNC with ACRI as an ARS cooperative research partner shall be accomplished under either a Cooperative Agreement (CA) or a Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NACA) and awarded and administered in compliance with ARS policies and procedures governing the use of CA’s and NACAs, assuring ARS research objectives are met. While both the NACA and CA fall under the 2 CFR Part 200 legislative authority, the NACA has additional legislative authority in the 7 CFR Part 550. Funding is on an annual basis however the agreement may be in place for no more than 5 years.
ARS may authorize the use of a Research Support Agreement (RSA), under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 3319a, solely for the purpose of acquiring goods and personnel services from Cooperator to support ARS research projects of mutual interest. This agreement duration is for one year.
B. Facility Space:
The parties may desire the establishment of a lease arrangement to document space requirements of federal ARS personnel that are conducting and/or supporting mission-related research at the ACNC. This lease shall be administered in compliance with both institutions’ policies and procedures.