Resources

Development of Nutrient Management Software: Nutrient management planning software developed by Robert Hill and his research group in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland allows farmers and nutrient management consultants to prepare nutrient management plans after a small amount of training. The software is comprehensive and easy to use. Besides being used for the nutrient management planning on the majority of Maryland cropland, it is also used by consultants to develop the majority of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) nutrient management plans prepared in Maryland.

Development of Maryland Phosphorus Site Index Software: Software has been developed by Robert Hill and his fellow cooperators and research team that allows the phosphorus site index to be easily calculated by farmers and nutrient management consultants after a small amount of training. The phosphorus site index is an environmental loss assessment tool used to predict the effects of soil management, soil phosphorus contents, and waste phosphorus contents on the risk of potential phosphorus losses from agricultural fields.  The software is easy to use and can be used by farmers after a small amount of training.

Agricultural Nutrient Management Program: Based on the work that was initiated in the early 1990s by research and extension team of Frank Coale, Patricia Steinhilber and Richard Weismiller of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, the University of Maryland research and extension team, the State of Maryland launched and established the first statewide, science-based agricultural nutrient management program in the United States that was focused on enhancing water quality protection while preserving agricultural productivity.  This progressive effort began with an educational mission built around field demonstrations and volunteer collaborating farmers.  Over the years, agricultural nutrient management in Maryland evolved into a hybrid of voluntary and state-mandated regulatory practices, all based on the best available science and guidance from the University of Maryland.  99.8 percent of the state’s 1.3 million acres of cropland and 99 percent of the state’s 6,200 eligible farmers have nutrient management plans and are complying with the state’s nutrient management law.  

Rapid Method for Estimating Biologically Active Carbon: Ray Weil and his research group in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland developed a simple inexpensive and rapid method of estimating the biologically active carbon in soils by oxidation with a dilute, neutral potassium permanganate/CaCl2 solution. They published this method in 2003 and it is now used around the world. It has been officially adopted by USDA/NRSC efforts in soil quality. It was evaluated as a field method for soil quality assessment and as a research method for carbon modeling in two recent, hi-visibility publications by other leading scientists.

Riparian Buffer Incentive Program: Increase in Riparian Buffer Incentive Payments through USDA-NRCS’s CREP Program was initiated based on the research by Lori Lynch of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, thus leading to the implementation of 75,000 acres of Riparian Buffers in MD. The program helps protect water quality in local streams and rivers by reducing soil erosion, controlling nutrient runoff and increasing wildlife habitat.   

Adoption of Cover Crops in Maryland: Cereal Grain Cover Crops adoption and State Cost-Sharing has been developed based on Research by Russ Brinsfield and Kenneth (Ken) Staver at Wye Research and Education Center of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station -College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland. As of January 2011, 398,679 acres of land was under cover crop in Maryland and that has tremendous positive impact on the reduction of nutrients and sediment to the Chesapeake Bay.

*Development and Adoption of No-till Farming in Maryland: In 1970s No-till farming for double-cropping of Soybean after wheat/barley harvest (a Crop Production Breakthrough) was developed by the research faculty in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland College park and was tested in their Research and education centers.  This practice became a hallmark of best management practices (BMPs) in its beneficial impact on the reduction of erosion and nutrient loss to the surface runoff. 

*High Yield Wheat Production: Research faculty in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland College Park Adapted the high yield wheat production procedures used in England, which involved fertilizer, seeding rates, fungicides, and varieties to soil and climatic conditions of Maryland.  This was a big breakthrough that increased wheat production and the average yield of wheat in the state as observed in the Lower Eastern Shore Research Facility.

Soybean Variety: The development of the soybean variety Manokin by William Kenworthy in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland College Park was one of the first varieties that had cyst nematode resistance to the primary cyst races that are present in Maryland. Most varieties did not have the correct race resistance. The variety Manokin was important in Maryland and became a widely grown variety across the southern USA. It remained popular until the Roundup Ready technology replaced standard varieties.

Poultry Nutrition and Chesapeake Bay: Through nutritional research conducted by Roselina Angel in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, phosphorus excretion by broiler chickens into the Chesapeake Bay watershed has been reduced by 22%.  This is important for the ecology of the Bay and the sustainability of Maryland's most important agricultural industry.

New Waist Circumference Cut-offs for the Metabolic Syndrome for African Americans and Hispanics: Dr. Robert T. Jackson and his students in the College of Agriculture and natural Resources at the University of Maryland have been able to develop new cut-off points for waist circumference and body mass index that are more appropriate for Hispanic and African American citizens of the USA than are the previously promulgated cutoffs that were derived for European American citizens. The new cut-offs may substantially alter the prevalence estimates of metabolic syndrome and more accurately determine the efficacy of interventions in ethnic minority sub-populations.

Improving Foods for Better Human Health:  Dr. Liangli (Lucy) Yu’s research in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland on enhancing the antioxidant bioavailability in whole-wheat foods demonstrated for the first time that little change in food processing procedure may greatly improve the health properties of conventional foods. Her research attracted more than 3000 broadcasts worldwide, and stimulated research in bioavailability of health food factors.   

Modeling Non-Point Source Pollution in Agroecosystems: Dr. Shirmohammadi, his collaborators and students in the College of agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland College Park calibrated and validated both field scale and watershed scale models to simulate the impacts of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) on hydrologic and water quality responses of multi-scale agroecosystems. Results of their more than 20 years of research led into identification and importance of the consideration of uncertainty in the ecosystem models and its implications for watershed management and TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) assessments.  Results of their modeling research also produced BMP efficiency indices that that US-EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office has incorporated them into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed model.

Wheat and Barley Varieties: Dr. Jose Costa heads the breeding program for improving wheat and barley varieties in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland College Park. The program is focused on development of productive varieties with enhanced resistance to the major diseases impacting these important crops in the mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Costa’s most recent released wheat variety is ‘Chesapeake’. This productive variety has excellent resistance to powdery mildew. In the fall of 2010, approximately 3,000,000 pounds of certified seed of Chesapeake wheat were planted in over 30,000 acres across the mid-Atlantic region. The estimated additional annual farm gate value to farmers growing Chesapeake wheat is over $ 1,000,000 in the region.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE – For Multistate Projects

Sub-unit: Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES)-AGNR

Subject: MAES-– Multistate Research Travel Support

Revised Effective: January 13, 2020

Purpose

The Associate Dean & Associate Director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station will provide up to $1,000 for faculty to attend annual multistate research meetings, provided the faculty member is a current Principal Investigator and listed as the Voting Member on a MAES multistate research project in the National Information Management & Support System. 

This travel support applies to only one multistate project’s annual meeting. A faculty can join more than one multistate project, but can only use this travel support for one project per year.

Procedure

1. PI will send a request for MAES Multistate Project travel subsidy, via e-mail to Dr. Puneet Srivastava (srivapu@umd.edu), Associate Dean & Associate Director, and copied to

• Rubie Mize (rgmize@umd.edu), MAES Research Coordinator,
• MAES Business Manager (currently vacant), please copy Jessica Vernon (jvernon3@umd.edu)  
• PI’s Departmental Finance or Business Manager, and
• PI’s Department Chair.

Request must include the Official Meeting Authorization which has the dates and location of the meeting, and agenda. Request should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the meeting date.

2. The request will be reviewed, and the PI notified, as soon as possible, regarding the status of the travel subsidy request.

3. Once the request is approved, the PI will use his/her own Departmental KFS account number to create a Travel Approval Request (TAR) for the meeting. Upon completion of the travel, the PI or the Department's Business Manager will contact AGNR Finance Unit for a KFS account number to JV up to $1,000 to cover the PI's Travel Expense Statement (TES) with submittal of appropriate receipts. The PI is allowed to use these funds only for travel requested for a particular multistate project for which he/she is a voting member. Please send AGNR Finance Unit a copy of the JV and copies of the appropriate receipts (scanned as a single PDF file is preferred).

4. Upon return from the meeting, the PI will submit a brief report (no more than one page) regarding the outcome of the meeting, major issues discussed or decisions made. For example, did the committee decide to form team(s) to work on joint publications on the different components of the project, write a white paper, form a proposal writing team to compete for large external funding, and/or work on the revised multistate proposal, etc. Please send the report via email to srivapu@umd.edu and a copy to rgmize@umd.edu.

Contacts

• Rubie G. Mize, rgmize@umd.edu PH 301-405-4049 (for multistate program issues)
• Jessica Vernon, jvernon3@umd.edu PH 301-405-2956 (for finance questions)

1. Central Civil Rights File Document

2. EEO Program Statement and Publication

3. How to file an EEO-Civil Rights Complain

4. MAES- ADA Self Evaluation

5. MAES-Demographic Data Reporting

6. MAES- Facility Self Evaluation

7. MAES- Facility Training Log

8. MAES Internal Compliance Review Response Plan

9. MAES Internal Compliance Review Response Schedule

10. MAES- Public Notifications and Media Methods

11. MAES- Translation Resources

12. MAES- Affirmative Action Plan

13. USDA- Program Discrimination Complain Filing

14. MAES- List of Faculty and Staff by Race and Gender

15. MAES- Mailing List Log

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland-College Park maintains four regional Research and Education Centers within the state. These Centers, managed by the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, have a dedicated mission to provide off-campus support for the research and education programs for faculty within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Life Sciences.

This policy addresses issues concerning research facility utilization by the aforementioned faculty and by other public and private enterprises. Its purpose is to clarify what support is provided and to establish uniformity across all Research and Education Centers in providing that support.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Scope of Support
   1. Resource Request Form
   2. Agronomic Related Support
   3. Horticultural Related Support
   4. Animal Related Support
   5. Special Needs
   6. Facility Labor Requests
   7. Overtime Support
2. Research Prioritization
   1. Approved MAES and UME Projects
   2. Other MAES and UME Projects
   3. USDA and MDA Research Requests
   4. Other Projects
   5. Project Duration and Termination
3. Instructional Program Support
   1. MAES Resource Request Form
   2. Waiver for Home-Based Faculty
   3. Special Facility Support
4. Worker Protection Standards
5. Performance Evaluations
   1. Evaluation Schedule
   2. Evaluation Committee
   3. Evaluation Summary
6. Equipment and Supply Storage
7. Center Office Space for UME Personnel
8. University of Maryland-College Park (UMCP) Use Permit
9. MAES Pesticide Use Policy

MANUAL

1. Scope of Support

Prior to implementation of any research project at a field site, the investigator must obtain approval for the project with the Chair's signature on the appropriate MAES Resource Request Form. Next, the investigator must discuss the proposed project with the respective facility manager/s. This discussion will allow all parties an opportunity to understand the scope of the proposed work, identify what support will or will not be provided by the research facility, and determine any special protocols that the project may have.

1. 1. Resource Request Form

All requests for field resources require the submission of an MAES Resource Request Form at least one month prior to the start of the project or shorter if agreed to by the respective investigator, facility manager, and center head. Failure to submit the request form may delay commencement of the project. The resource request form is a written record of the research protocol for the facility's reference during the study.

1. 2. Agronomic Related Support - Support for agronomic related research includes land; equipment and labor for tillage, planting, crop protection, and harvesting; seed; fertilizer and lime to provide basic plant nutrition; and pesticides for basic crop protection.
   3. Horticultural Related Support - Support for horticultural related research includes land; equipment and labor for tillage, planting, harvesting, in-season and off-season crop protection and maintenance; fertilizer and lime to provide basic plant nutrition; and pesticides for basic crop protection.
   4. Animal Related Support - Animal research projects are supplied animals; basic feedstuffs; animal housing and support buildings, medicines, bedding; and necessary labor to support animal research activities. In the case of poultry research, the supply and disposal of birds for each project is arranged by the scientist.
   5. Special Needs - Any special treatments (determined in discussions between the investigator, facility manager, and center head prior to the onset of the project) that require special seed or plant materials, special fertilizers, special pesticides, special feed ingredients, special animal antibiotics or other medicines, special animal handling procedures requiring additional labor inputs, specialized equipment, specialized attachments to equipment, or alterations to equipment are to be funded by the faculty member or department proposing the research.
   6. Facility Labor Requests - Labor requests for non-routine data collection, specialized treatment applications, or specialized animal operations must be addressed with the respective Facility Manager and Center Head prior to the onset of the project. Labor availability for these purposes will be assigned at the discretion of the Manager and dependent upon the abilities of the technicians. Training of the technicians to handle special aspects of the project must be completed by the principal investigator.
   7. Overtime Support - If a project requires overtime support, a discussion with the Facility-Manager about that need is necessary. Any and all overtime expenditures for support of a project will be the responsibility of the project leader.
2. Research Prioritization

When the resources of a facility or center are limited, the following prioritization for research projects will be in effect.

A. Approved MAES and UME Projects- Approved MAES and UME projects receive first priority.

B. Other MAES and UME Projects - Non-approved MAES and UME research projects will be accepted in the order they are received by the Center. A non-approved MAES project must receive departmental approval followed by approval from the respective Center Head and Facility Manager. Projects conducted by either regional extension personnel or county extension personnel must receive approval from both the appropriate Regional Extension Director and the Facility Manager and Center Head where the project will be conducted. Center and Facility approval is necessary to ensure the availability of necessary resources.

C. USDA and MDA Research Requests- Research requests made by either USDA or MDA (or similar agency) funded scientists will be given consideration. It is recommended that those requests be made as part of a collaborative research effort with MAES or UME investigators. Where true MAES/UME and USDA or MDA cooperation is noted, the project will be treated as per 2A. Requests that are made by USDA or MDA scientists, without an affiliation, will be required to reimburse all costs incurred by the facility. These costs will be determined via uniform research cost accounting procedures maintained by the Facility Manager.

D. Other Projects - Requests from other University, non-University, public or private organizations will be accepted only if there are adequate resources available at the facility to support the project. Approval for these projects must be given by the respective Center Head in consultation with the respective Facility Manager. Support of such a project must not interfere with either College of Agriculture and Natural Resources or Departments of Plant Biology and Entomology based projects. Reimbursement of costs to MAES will be required and will be determined by the cost accounting maintained by the Facility Manager. Acceptance of a non-University affiliated project does not construe endorsement of the product or technique by the University.

E. Project Duration and Termination- Each research request form requires identification of the project length so that resources can be assigned for the duration of the study. These request forms are to be completed each year of a project regardless of expected duration. In addition, investigators are required to notify the respective Facility Manager/s within one month after the completion of a project.

3. Instructional Program Support

The Research and Education Centers are also dedicated to supporting any instructional activities and outreach educational programs conducted by either the Academic Programs or the Extension faculty. In doing so, the following protocols are to be followed:

A. MAES Resource Request Form - A MAES Resource Request Form is to be provided to the respective Facility Manager at least one month prior to the scheduled activity.

B. Waiver for Home-Based Faculty - Item A can be waived if a different policy arrangement is in place for home-based faculty at a Center. This refers in particular to the use of Center conference rooms for which scheduling is generally handled by a secretary.

C. Special Facility Support - If the class or event requires support that results in expenditure of facility funds to accommodate, reimbursement to the facility will be required. The amount of the reimbursement will be determined by the Facility Manager and the coordinator of the instructional and/or outreach activity prior to the activity.

4. Worker Protection Standards (WPS)

All faculty members, technicians, graduate and undergraduate students must abide by the Worker Protection Standards for pesticide safety and must not enter areas that are posted as pesticide treated unless wearing the appropriate protective clothing as outlined in the WPS. A central posting area for areas treated is available at each facility and should be consulted prior to entry of posted field research sites. A description of the WPS protocols at a facility can be obtained from the respective Facility Manager.

5. Performance Evaluations

It is a goal of the Research and Education Centers to provide quality support. In order to measure the attainment of this goal both positive and negative feedback is needed from the clientele served.

A. Evaluation Schedule - Performance evaluations for each of the four Research and Education Centers will be done every two years, with two Centers evaluated each year.

B. Evaluation Committee - A committee to review the performance of each Center will be appointed by the Associate Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. Each committee shall consist of faculty representatives from the various user groups (i.e. Departments, UME, etc.) that have activities at the respective Center.

C. Evaluation Summary - A summary report of the evaluation shall be provided to the respective Center Heads and Facility Managers by February 1 of the year following the evaluation.

6. Equipment and Supply Storage at Facilities

At times there are requests by faculty members to store equipment and supplies at a facility. The following guidelines should be followed when storing property.

A. Storage - Storage of these items must receive the approval of the respective Facility Manager.

B. Pesticides - Pesticides stored at a facility are to comply with the MAES Policy for Pesticide Use.

C. Storage Space - Storage space at all facilities is limited. Faculty members are requested to use discretion when requesting storage space. Supplies and equipment no longer used cannot be given storage space.

7. Center Office Space for UME Personnel

A. Office Space - If office space is available, UME personnel can be located at Research and Education Centers if they have obtained permission from their respective Department Chair or Regional Extension Director.

B. Working Agreement - An agreement concerning maintenance and operational costs of the occupied buildings must be reached between the Center Head and the interested party with final approval by the Associate Directors of MAES and UME.

8. University of Maryland-College Park (UMCP) Use Permit

Facility Use - Outside organizations occasionally request the use of a facility for activities that are not research or education oriented.Examples of these include picnics, meetings, etc. The organization requesting use must obtain a UMCP Facility Use Permit and provide its own liability coverage for its participants. The organization must be aware of and maintain strict adherence to the University's Alcohol Use Policy.

9. MAES Pesticide Use Policy

POLICY FOR HANDLING, STORAGE, AND APPLICATION OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS ON MAES RESEARCH FACILITIES RECORDS
Each Principal Investigator (PI) must submit a hazardous/toxic substance form (MSDS) for each pesticide used or stored at a Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) location before the substance is brought to the site. A current listing of all pesticide MSDS sheets should be maintained at each MAES site so duplication of efforts between PI's and farm managers does not occur.

Each Principal Investigator is responsible for keeping records of their pesticide use in accordance with state and federal regulations. Under the current Worker Protection Standards (WPS), records need to be kept regarding compound(s) and quantities used, location, date and time of applications(s), environmental conditions at time of application(s), EPA registration number(s) of compound(s) used, applicator(s) name and certification number. These data should be provided to each farm manager as soon as possible after application for posting purposes.

After application, the PI is responsible for posting requirements in accordance with Worker Protection Standards. Farm managers will supply signs.

Each Principal Investigator will be required to supply an updated inventory of pesticides stored at each NLKES site. This inventory needs to be updated yearly with a due date of December 15.

STORAGE
Pesticides should be purchased or obtained in smallest units available to reduce leftover quantities.
Each container should be labeled with the PI's name and dated as to when it was obtained.
Each Principal Investigator will be required to inventory their storage area yearly as discussed above and maintain a neat and orderly site. Failure to follow this may result in expulsion from the site.

Following each yearly inventory, each PI is responsible for disposing of unwanted and/or leftover materials including rinsates. This will be done at the PI's expense.

If materials were applied under an EUP (Experimental Use Permit), the PI is responsible for disposing of excess product, rinsate and crop residue as specified under the EUP process.

OPERATION Each Principal Investigator is required to review the rules for use of pesticide storage, application,and posting requirements with the farm manager for every site they utilize on a yearly basis. This should be performed prior to the use season, generally by April 15.

If the PI is planning to use MAES equipment to apply pesticides, it is their responsibility to clean and dispose of excess spray material.

RINSATE, LEFTOVER TANK-MIX AND CLEANUP MATERIALS

Rinsate, leftover tank-mix products and cleanup materials, made up of labeled materials are to be treated as pesticides as much as possible instead of hazardous waste. Rinsate and leftover tank-mix products should be applied to other areas with labeled crops or segregated into tanks for short term storage until it may be utilized on a labeled crop by other spraying activities. This requires that the identity, concentration and amount of material in rinsate tanks shall be maintained at all times. Material that has an unknown component, concentration or quantity cannot be utilized as a pesticide and must be handled as a hazardous waste.

EXPERIMENTAL (NON-LABELED) RINSATE MATERIAL

Rinsate of unlabeled or numbered compound pesticides must be segregated for spraying on labeled crop or noncrop land and/or disposed of as hazardous waste. It is the responsibility of the PI to budget an appropriate amount of money for the disposal of this material if it cannot be legally sprayed on a labeled crop or noncrop land. Temporary storage containers will be provided at each farm, but they must be emptied by December 15 of each year at the PI's expense.

SAFETY EOUIPMENT AND CERTIFICATION
Each Principal Investigator must be certified to use pesticides and submit a copy of their Applicator's Certificate to the Associate Director of the MAES before storage or application of pesticide(s) at any MAES farm.

Each Principal Investigator is responsible for training their own students and/or technicians as outlined under the Worker Protection Standards. All of the PI's students and/or technicians are required to work under the PI's certifcation if they are not certified to apply pesticides.

Each Principal Investigator is responsible for supplying their own and their students and/or technicians safety equipment unless prior arrangements have been made with each site's Farm Manager.

Remember, each Principal Investigator is responsible for posting their own farmland. Signs will be provided by each Farm Manager.

DEVELOPMENT

A committee consisting of the Facility Managers and Faculty Representatives doing research at the MAES farms should address the development and testing of new methods and equipment to handle the operation and cleaning of application equipment and to address ways to minimize the quantity and increase the utilization of rinsate. The committee will identify specific problems and questions that require attention on N4A.F-S farms and private agricultural operations as well. The committee will assist the MAES Associate Director in developing initiatives to address any identified issues.

The Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) Program at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

What is the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) Program?

The "Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) Program" is a program is designed to re-utilize all types of items purchased by federal entities. Via congressional legislation, all federal agencies and military bases disposing of unneeded items must first make them available for "reutilization". Many commonly perceive the property received as a donation to research and extension programs. In contrast, all items from the program are actually transferred to -- and on-loan from --the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). None of the equipment or supplies received are owned by the University or College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR).

Also, contrary to popular perception are the concepts of "surplus" versus "excess" property. The Excess Personal Property Program serves only federal agencies and programs. Items received from the program remain within federal ownership. The Surplus Property Program is separate and provides state agencies with supplies and equipment only after they are no longer needed within the federal realm. In summary,items within the excess property cycle are still owned by the government and usually higher quality. Items termed "surplus" have been through federal excess screening and are no longer needed.

How is AGNR eligible to participate?

To help promote and support the college's participation in the missionof the Cooperative State Research,Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), AGNR is authorized to locate and acquire federal excess property. Many other land-grant institutions across the nation also participate in the program. Items acquired are used to support approved research and extension projects and programs within AGNR only. These items can include equipment and supplies for the Agricultural Experiment Station, researchlab equipment, office equipment/supplies for research and extension offices, items for 4H programs and camps, etc.

Organization of the FEPP at AGNR:

The Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) Program Accountable Property Officer(APO) is responsible for AGNR's participation within the program. The University and the APO are held accountable to USDA for all matters relating to the program. Title for all items acquired for use within AGNR is transferred to USDA and the FEPP APO has a designated user or custodian assigned to each item. The items are "on-loan" to AGNR for the duration of theirexistence and/or needs. Neither the AGNR nor the University own any items acquired and utilized from the FEPP. The FEPP APO coordinates all screening, acquisitions, and issues of property; monitors and enforces proper use of the items; and reports inventory to USDA on a regular basis. The APO also requests disposal action on items nolonger utilized and resolves discrepancies involving acquired property on behalf of AGNR. Property acquired and the accountability dimensions of the Program are subject to federal guidelines and review at all times. AGNR can utilize the items for an indefinite period of time as long as they are used responsibly and continue to promote research and extension activities.

Requests for and allocation of property:

Research or extension components of AGNR can submit written requeststo the FEPP APO for needed items in approved projects and programs. The first request, and subsequent annual requests, must be submitted in the form of a FEPP wish list; any additional requests may be submitted to the APO via mail, FAX, or e-mail. When the requested items are held (at a Federal distribution center) and/or delivered to an AGNR location, the person requesting the property is contacted regarding transportation. There are no time-frames guaranteed for acquisition of items. Items are rarely available when requested since FEPP storage space is nonexistent at this time. Somerequests may be acquired in the near or distant future; some requestswill never be filled. A rule of thumb is that the more specialized a request is, the longer it may take to fill,if it is to be filled at all. Also, it's important to notethat there are selected items which are more readily available from the program than others. A report of prior yearacquisitions can be forwarded to interested parties upon request.

An important note:

The primary goal of the FEPP is to promote and supplement the OVERALL research and extension missions of AGNR. Any persons contemplating placing a request for property should first ask themselves if the item(s) neededfit the above criteria. Above all, the most important priority of the FEPP is to acquire and put into use items that present a direct cost-savings to the research and extension appropriations of the college. The acquisition of items whichprovide general enhancement or improvements is a secondary goal.

What are the responsibilities of users of FEPP?

Since the FEPP APO is responsible to USDA for proper coordination of the program, it's very important for users to understand that with this privilege comes responsibility. All users are requested to inventory items of substantial value on a regular basis, monitor items that are consumed (ex. office supplies) to insure they are used properly,and care for and maintain the items. Users should also report any problems or discrepancies and report items no longer needed to the FEPP APO for disposal or transfer to another AGNR unit ASAP. For any items that are missing,unaccounted for on inventory, stolen, etc. the end user and assigned person(s) will be asked to assume responsibility for discrepancies. Although the items are physically in use within college programs, its important to appreciate they hold the same accountability aspect as a computer in the Pentagon, a truck used in the Department of Energy, or any items elsewhere in federal environments.

Inventory and disposal of items:

With USDA holding title to all the items acquired through this Program, proper records and accountability procedures at the College level are of considerable importance. Allrecipients are required to sign a "Statement of Responsibility" form before any excess property is issued to them or their research and/or extension programs. An "audit trail" is maintained by the APO for all property regardless of value and items in use are inventoried on a regular basis. It would be a good idea for users to maintain their own records or files on items issued to them to assist in inventory procedures. Users and responsible persons should also insure items are being used properly according to regulations. When items are no longer needed by a department,office, or unit, the original recipient must notify the FEPP APO so the item may be transferred or disposed of in accordance with USDA guidelines. Regardless of its real or "perceived" value, the property may not be thrown away, transferred to another sector of AGNR, transferred to local or civic groups, or transported to Terrapin Trader for any reason. Transfer within the college to other AGNR research or extension units is permissible as long as the FEPP APO is contacted before the transfer takes place.

Transportation, Delivery, Storage:

The FEPP APO has extremely limited resources for transportation, delivery,and storage of the items acquired through this Program. Depending on time constraints, small items (which can fit in a pickup truck) can sometimes be transported from local federal distribution centers to the AGNR Clarksville Facility by Robert Davis, AGNR's part time screener. Ultimately, receivers of this excess property must providetheir own transportation, whether it is from a local (within a 300 mile RT radius) distribution area or another research/extension unit on or off-campus.

Do's and Don'ts for users:

DO regard participation in the program as a privilege. Responsible actions on the part of users help insure continued participation in the program.
DO maintain proper care of the items and insure they are used correctly.
DO understand and appreciate that acquiring items presenting a direct cost-savings to AGNR is the first priority of the FEPP - enhancements and improvements not necessarily affecting the college are a secondary goal.
DO be sure to maintain good records on the property and contact the FEPP APO regarding any requests for disposal or transfers.
DO understand and appreciate the accountability dimension of the FEPP. Property receivers and users areasked to assume responsibility for proper use and any discrepancies regarding the property. Users must be able to account for items issued to their programs or activities.

DON'T dispose of any federal property other than through the FEPP APO specific instructions; regardless of real or perceived value. This is Federal property!
DON'T use the items for anything other than approved agriculture research or extension projects and programs. Any use outside these realms violates federal guidelines governing the program and jeopardizes our continuance in the FEPP.

Carol Hill
Secretary, Users and Screeners Association - Federal Excess Personal Property & FEPP Program APO, AGNR University of Maryland
11975-A Homewood Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Phone: 301-596-9330
Fax: 410-531-2397