Program Overview

Delaware has been awarded a cooperative agreement for USDA’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), which aims to help create more and better processing options for local and regional producers across the food supply chain. Funds will build resilience across the middle of Delaware’s food supply chain for food crops. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, and excluding meat and poultry, fiber, wild-caught seafood, exclusively animal feed and forage products, fiber, landscaping products, tobacco, and dietary supplements.

RFSI is funded through Section 1001(b)(4) of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Department will offer RFSI funding to Infrastructure Grants through a competitive subawards process administered according to the USDA requirements. Delaware’s Request for Applications will open on March 12, 2024, and close on April 30, 2024.

Using a standardized review process, the Department will award:

• Infrastructure Grants with a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $1,156,597 for infrastructure projects and activities; and
• Simplified Equipment-Only Projects, using a simplified application to fund smaller grants between $10,000 and $100,000. The Simplified Equipment-Only option is a Fixed Price Grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases (and not associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs, and the amount awarded will only equal the cost of the equipment up to $100,000.

Delaware RFSI Documents

Delaware Request for Applications
RFSI Budget Match Worksheet
Collaborating Organization Template Letter
Verification of Matching Funds Template Letter
Critical Resources and Infrastructure Template Letter
RFSI Applicant Environmental Questionnaire
Delaware RFSI Review Panel Criteria Evaluation Form

Delaware RFSI Online Application

DDA has partnered with the Delaware Community Foundation to manage the Foundant platform for ease of access to applications and all program reporting materials. Applications must be completed using Foundant, an online platform.

Once you click on the button below, you will need to create a login for Foundant. You will access the system to complete or upload the following:

• Applications
• Required letters and documents included as part of the application package as outlined in the RFA
• Nonprofit entities must upload the IRS determination letter of their entities’ nonprofit status
• For approved projects, submit all quarterly, annual, and final performance reports, and all receipts and invoices requiring reimbursement, including proof of purchase documents.

Links and Resources

• USDA RFSI Website
• RFSI FAQ’s
• USDA Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
• Sam.gov If you do not have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and need to register your entity, do this early in the grant process as it can take several weeks. This is required to apply for the RFSI grant.
• Delaware W-9 Online Form Applicants must complete a W-9 form online. The State of Delaware does not accept the federal W-9 form. Registration, updates, or changes must be made through the eSupplier portal at https://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov. Note: If you select ACH for payment, it will be deposited directly into the account you provide. Since RFSI requires the approved applicant to submit invoices and receipts to be reimbursed, selecting ACH will expedite the process.
  To register for the first time as a supplier with the State of Delaware, the New Supplier Registration Guide will help walk you through the process. If you still have questions, visit the State of Delaware’s Division of Accounting W-9 Frequently Asked Questions. If you signed up in the past as a supplier to receive payment, you might still need to update your information to reactivate your account.For questions regarding Supplier Maintenance that you have not been able to answer via the links above, contact:

Delaware Division of Accounting
820 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 200
Dover, DE 19904
Ph: 302-526-5600
Email: FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov

• SBA Size Standards Tool
• SBA Veteran Contracting Assistance Programs
• SBA Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program

RFSI Grant Webinar and Office Hour Registrations

DDA will host an informational webinar about the RFSI grant program and hold virtual office hours for prospective grant applicants. These require prior registration to attend.

Video: Informational RFSI Grant Program Webinar at 10 a.m. on March 21, 2024

Virtual Delaware RFSI Office Hours:

Click to Register: 10 a.m. on April 4, 2024

Click to Register: 10 a.m. on April 18, 2024

Contact Us

If your questions are not answered after reviewing the website, you may email programmatic questions or inquiries to DDA_farmandfoodpolicy@delaware.gov.