FY2024 Request for Proposals for a Predictive Modeling Tool
Submission Deadlines:
- Letter of Intent = December 15, 2023
- Full Proposal = January 31, 2024
The National Predictive Modeling Tool Initiative (NPMTI), which operates under the auspices of the USDA-ARS, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support NPMTI goals in FY2024.
The Initiative is a multi-year and multi-crop program that aims to develop modeling tools to predict diseases and mycotoxins affecting U.S. row crops to better inform management decisions. The overall goals of the NPMTI are to:
1) Ensure crop sustainability and crop quality.
2) Provide climate change resilience.
3) Improve soil health.
4) Monitor pathogens and microbial diversity in the environment, including, but not limited to crop residues, soils, and air.
5) Improve disease management, thereby reducing yield losses.
6) Increase precision of in-season disease management tactics; and
7) Increase precision of pesticide use.
The intent of NPMTI is to build a community of collaborative researchers across multiple commodities. At its inception in 2020, NPMTI began addressing key diseases in three crops: corn, cotton, and wheat. For 2024, proposals for new and recurring projects in these crops are requested. All projects that fit the research area priorities as spelled out in the 5-Year Action Plan for the three NPMTI-supported crops will be considered (see 5-Year Action Plan at www.agpmt.org/5-year-action-plan). Proposed projects that show collaborative efforts from multiple institutions (public and/or private), multiple states, and include multiple crop systems are encouraged, but not necessary. As NPMTI grows, additional row crops and associated diseases may be considered on an annual RFP basis.
All applicants must file a Letter of Intent (LOI) per the instructions on the attached form before submitting a full proposal. The LOI is designed to save the applicant time by not filing an off-target Full Proposal.