7 CFR § 3430.608 - Review criteria.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t7/s3430.608"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "7 CFR § 3430.608 - Review criteria."
title_number: 7
title_name: "Agriculture"
section_number: "3430.608"
section_name: "Review criteria."
chapter_name: "NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE"
part_number: "3430"
part_name: "COMPETITIVE AND NONCOMPETITIVE NON-FORMULA FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS—GENERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "7 U.S.C. 3316; Pub. L. 106-107 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note)"
regulatory_source: "74 FR 45740, Sept. 4, 2009, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "3430"
---


# 3430.608 Review criteria.

(a) *Evaluation criteria.* NIFA shall evaluate project proposals according to the following factors:

(1) Relevancy.

(2) Technical merit.

(3) Achievability.

(4) The expertise and track record of one or more applicants.

(5) The adequacy of plans for the participatory evaluation process, outcome-based reporting, and the communication of findings and results beyond the immediate target audience.

(6) Other appropriate factors, as determined by the Secretary.

(b) *Partnership and collaboration.* In making awards under this subpart, NIFA shall give priority to partnerships and collaborations that are led by or include nongovernmental, and community-based organizations, and school-based agricultural educational organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.

(c) *Regional balance.* In making awards under this subpart, NIFA shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure geographical diversity.

[74 FR 45970, Sept. 4, 2009, as amended at 81 FR 6415, Feb. 8, 2016]