USDA CSREES National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program - The USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service has issued a Final Rule which updates and makes " ... technical corrections to the administrative provisions for the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP). In addition, CSREES is revising 7 CFR 3411.3(d), the 'Eligibility requirements' for NRICGP Postdoctoral Fellowships, New Investigator Awards, and Strengthening Awards, and 7 CFR 3411.4(c)(8), the Agency instructions to applicants preparing project budgets for NRICGP conference grants and postdoctoral fellowships. CSREES anticipates the changes to the eligibility requirements will increase the impact of the Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards, while the changes to the budget instructions will facilitate additional conference and postdoctoral fellowship awards ..." - Effective September 20, 2006 - CSREES Contact: Gail McLean at 202 401 6060; e-mail: GMcLean@CSREES.USDA.gov - CSREES September 20 Federal Register: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-15568.htm