USDA-FNS-SNAP-PTIG-FY2020 | USDA FNS SNAP PTIG FY2020

USDA-FNS SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grants (PTIG) FY 2020 - FAQs

1) What is the USDA-FNS-SNAP-PTIG-FY2020 grant opportunity?

USDA-FNS-SNAP-PTIG-FY2020 is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) under Section 11(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended (Public Law 116-94). It is commonly known as the SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grants (PTIG) program.

2) What is the purpose of SNAP PTIG funding?

The core purpose of SNAP PTIG is to fund projects that simplify SNAP application and eligibility determination systems and improve access to SNAP benefits. In practical terms, PTIG funds efforts to modernize, streamline, and strengthen the everyday processes used to apply for SNAP, verify eligibility, and receive benefits with fewer delays and barriers.

3) What kinds of projects does this grant support?

Based on the opportunity description, supported projects may include improvements to SNAP operations and processes such as process redesign, technology upgrades, improved workflows, and other operational improvements that help eligible households apply for SNAP and stay enrolled more easily.

4) Who runs the PTIG program?

The program is run by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

5) What is the underlying legal authority for PTIG?

This opportunity is authorized under Section 11(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended (Public Law 116-94).

6) Is this a discretionary or formula grant program?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity.

7) What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument type is a grant.

8) What is the activity area for this opportunity?

The activity area is food and nutrition.

9) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities, including:

• The 53 state agencies that administer SNAP
• State or local governments
• Agencies that provide health or welfare services
• Public health or educational entities
• Private nonprofit organizations such as community-based or faith-based organizations, food banks, and emergency feeding organizations
• Grants.gov-aligned categories, including state, county, and city/township governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and 501(c)(3) nonprofits (other than higher education institutions)

10) Are community-based and faith-based organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes private nonprofit organizations such as community-based or faith-based organizations among eligible applicants.

11) Can food banks or emergency feeding organizations apply?

Yes. Food banks and emergency feeding organizations are specifically listed among examples of eligible private nonprofit organizations.

12) Are colleges and universities eligible applicants?

Yes. The opportunity aligns with eligibility categories that include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education.

13) Can prior PTIG recipients apply again in FY 2020?

There is a key FY 2020 restriction: any eligible entity that served as the lead recipient of a PTIG award in FY 2019 is not allowed to apply as the lead entity in FY 2020.

14) Does the FY 2019 restriction apply to partners or supporting organizations?

No. The FY 2020 limitation applies only to the lead entity (the primary award recipient). It does not prevent prior awardees from participating as partners or supporting organizations on another applicant's proposal.

15) How is "lead recipient" defined for the FY 2019 restriction?

The restriction applies to the primary award recipient, defined as the organization named as the recipient on the awarded project paperwork (specifically block 9 of the FNS-529 form).

16) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?

The CFDA (now called the Assistance Listing) number associated with this program is 10.580, which corresponds to SNAP.

17) When was this funding opportunity created?

The funding opportunity was created on April 15, 2020.

18) What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was June 15, 2020.

19) What is the maximum amount that can be awarded per grant?

The award ceiling is $2,000,000 per award.

20) How much funding can FNS award each year under this authorization?

The opportunity notes that FNS has authority to award up to $5,000,000 annually under this authorization, subject to the availability of federal funding.

21) Are awards guaranteed if an application is selected?

No. The opportunity states that awards are contingent on the availability of federal funding.

22) What outcomes is PTIG trying to achieve for SNAP applicants and participants?

PTIG projects are intended to reduce delays and barriers by improving the systems and processes people and agencies rely on to apply for SNAP, verify eligibility, and receive benefits, making it easier for eligible households to apply and stay enrolled.

23) Is this opportunity focused only on technology, or also on operational/process changes?

It is focused on both. The description emphasizes improving the quality and efficiency of SNAP operations and processes, which can include process redesign, technology upgrades, improved workflows, and other operational improvements.

24) Who are the intended leaders and collaborators for projects?

The program is designed to support efforts led by SNAP state agencies as well as projects developed with community-based and faith-based partners.