(a) The regulations of this part apply to special research grants awarded under the authority of subsection (c) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 450i (c)), to facilitate or expand promising breakthroughs in areas of the food and agricultural sciences of importance to the United States. Subparts A and B, excepting this section, apply only to special research grants awarded under subsection (c)(1)(A). Subpart C, Peer and Merit Review Arranged by Grantees, and Subpart D, Annual Reports, apply to all grants awarded under subsection (c).

(b) Each year the Director of NIFA shall determine and announce through publication of a Notice in such publications as the Federal Register, professional trade journals, agency or program handbooks, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, or any other appropriate means, research program areas for which proposals will be solicited competitively, to the extent that funds are available.

(c) The regulations of this part do not apply to research, extension or education grants awarded by the Department of Agriculture under any other authority.