Open Data Framework

The Open Data Framework (ODF) grant for Fiscal Year 2025 is a federal funding opportunity administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This initiative is authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and aims to support the development of a public-private cooperative data framework. Its goal is to provide a neutral, secure data repository that promotes innovation in the agricultural sector through improved data storage, access, and sharing among stakeholders such as producers, universities, and nonprofit entities. The ODF program is focused on advancing open data infrastructure to support technological development, research, and operational efficiencies across U.S. agriculture. Applicants are expected to design sustainable, inclusive data frameworks that integrate a broad array of participants, including 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Institutions, USDA research entities, non-Land-grant institutions, data producers, consumer organizations, and growers. These frameworks must adhere to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles and address key issues such as metadata standards, data trust structures, legal and regulatory compliance, and robust governance mechanisms. The total anticipated program funding is approximately $958,410, with a single award expected. The grant supports a project duration of 24 months. Only research projects are eligible under this opportunity, and proposals must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using the funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-OTHER-011476. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on August 6, 2025. While there is no pre-application requirement such as a Letter of Intent, applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility and formatting requirements as outlined in the RFA and the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Eligible applicants include organizations that meet the criteria specified in the RFA. There are no matching fund requirements for this opportunity, and indirect costs are limited to 30 percent of Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA), including any sub-awards. Applicants without a current negotiated rate may apply the de minimis rate of 15 percent. Submissions must include core components such as the Project Narrative, Data Management Plan, Project Summary/Abstract, and Bibliography and References Cited. Failure to include these items will disqualify applications from review. Proposals will undergo a two-part review process, starting with an administrative screening followed by a peer review. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, qualifications of project personnel, adequacy of facilities and management, project relevance to U.S. agriculture, and the completeness of the Data Management Plan. Applicants are encouraged to involve stakeholders throughout the process and integrate feedback mechanisms. For technical or administrative support, applicants can contact Rachel Seman-Varner, National Program Leader, at rachel.seman-varner@usda.gov or Iesha McGruder, Program Specialist, at iesha.mcgruder@usda.gov. Additional administrative questions may be directed to grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov using Adobe-compatible software and following specific instructions provided in the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

Ensure all required attachments are submitted as PDFs. Do not exceed narrative page limits. Missing any of the four required documents will result in rejection.