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report is to critically evaluate the research program in relation to: 1) national 

 needs of agricultural science, 2) the proposed facility, and 3) its fit with the 

 mission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is subjected to a rigorous 

 internal merit review and then undergoes intensive administrative scrutiny. The 

 project is also reviewed in the light of the appropriation language that requires 

 that facilities supported under the program be necessary to carry out the 

 agricultural research, extension and teaching programs of USD A. After all 

 reviews have been completed, the report is submitted to the House and Senate 

 Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittees, 



Once the report containing the recommendations of CSRS has been 

 submitted, a decision is made to either begin funding a project or to delay 

 funding. Once a project is identified for funding by the Appropriations 

 Conference Committee, CSRS requests a fully developed proposal from the 

 institution designated by Congress to receive Federal support. Each year before 

 funding is awarded to support any project, the institution's proposal is subjected 

 to internal review to ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and 

 policies, and the dictates of sound management. In accordance with Conference 

 Report language, all grant recipients under this program are required to provide 

 a minimum of 50% in matching funds. It is estimated that, if the Federal 



