What is a NIFA capacity project? 

Funds appropriated under the Hatch Act are to be used to conduct original research contributing to the agricultural industry in the United States. Projects are usually 5-year research plans with significant and attainable impacts that contribute to the overall mission of NMSU ACES and USDA-NIFA.

A NIFA capacity-funded project is any agricultural research project which is supported by dollars from one of the following five programs:

• Hatch (1862 LGUs only) (Also known as "Umbrella Projects" at NMSU)
• Hatch Multistate (1862 LGUs only)
• McIntire-Stennis
• Animal Health
• Renewable Resources Extension

Who needs to join a capacity project?

Anyone with an AES research appointment of .25 or higher needs to be actively involved in at least one capacity research project. 

It is not recommended that you become involved in more than two projects. 

Why do I need to join an umbrella project or participate in a capacity project?

Federal (Hatch) and state funds for research projects are used to support salaries for researchers and are budgeted from AES in proportion to their research appointment. AES funds expand The College Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) capacity to conduct needed research. 

In addition to salary support, umbrella project participants receive $1,000 annually. Project leads receive an additional amount on top of that due to the additional responsibilities they hold for these projects. 

How do I join an Umbrella Project?

Contact , Claire Montoya, and Lara Prihodko to request more information regarding umbrella projects and to join a project.  

What are the reporting requirements for capacity projects? 

All capacity research sponsored by the USDA-NIFA must be entered into the NIFA Reporting System (NRS). NRS stores the project description and is where Project Directors (PD) enter and submit annual progress reports.  These reports are used to prepare university reports and are frequently accessed by legislative staff and by scientists in related fields.

Visit the NIFA Reporting System website to access the system and for useful resources on annual reporting.

Annual progress reports (Results) are due annually my March 1st for all capacity projects. If you are part of an umbrella project, the Umbrella Project Lead is responsible for submitting this report, with the support of all members from the umbrella providing annual updates on research activity.  

What do I do for a competitive grant (non-capacity funded)? 

These grants are monitored for annual progress using the REEport system. Annual progress reports are due within 90 days after the anniversary date of the grant. 

In the final year of the project, if no extension is being made, a final report will be due within 90 days after the end date. 

REEport System and Resources

Where do I direct additional questions?

Capacity/Hatch Projects:

Claire Montoya (ccortner@nmsu.ed), AES Director of Reporting and Communication

Multi-State Projects:

Lara Prihodko (prihodko@nmsu.edu), AES Associate Director