Funding

Section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Federal share Of the funds made available under subsection (a), no single project shall receive a Federal share of funds greater than $15,000,000. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses (1) In general The Secretary may provide to an eligible partner a payment for indirect costs to cover administrative expenses of the eligible partner under a partnership agreement. (2) Rate The rate of a payment for indirect costs under paragraph (1) shall be— (A) an indirect cost rate negotiated by the Secretary and the eligible partner, which shall not exceed 15 percent; or (B) if the eligible partner does not have a negotiated indirect cost rate described in subparagraph (A), 10 percent.; and (3) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: (1) In general (A) No separate agreements The Secretary shall not require an eligible partner to enter into an agreement separate from the partnership agreement to provide technical assistance to producers. (B) Authorization An eligible partner may provide technical assistance to producers as needed to support project planning and implementation for conservation benefits. (2) Limitations (A) In general The Secretary shall limit costs of the Secretary for technical assistance to costs specific and necessary to carry out the objectives of the program. (B) Technical assistance by the Secretary The Secretary shall not use amounts provided under a partnership agreement for technical assistance provided by the Secretary without providing explicit notification to the eligible partner. (C) Technical assistance by eligible partners The Federal share of the cost of technical assistance provided by an eligible partner shall be not more than 30 percent of the total cost of the project.; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking pursuant to a partnership agreement and inserting and producers participating in the program.