Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

The goal of this NOFO is to fund veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the Vet-LIRN network for grants associated with projects and equipment. Specific objectives include: 1. Supporting the development, adaptation, or verification/validation of new methods associated with animal food issues or antimicrobial resistance. 2. Short-term surveillance or monitoring efforts aligned with the CVM mission. 3. Supporting equipment for testing or developing tests associated with animal food-related issues or antimicrobial resistance, including those for emerging technologies. 4. Developing projects related to antimicrobial stewardship, in alignment with CVM's key initiatives in this area. 5. Contributing as part of Vet-LIRN's AMR monitoring program, including sequencing isolates. 6. Supporting work associated with One Health, including emerging diseases such as COVID-19, when funding is available.

This cooperative agreement is intended to enhance the capacity and capabilities of state human and animal food testing laboratories in support of an integrated food safety system (IFSS). This is achieved through prioritized sample testing and food defense preparedness in the areas of microbiology, chemistry, and radiochemistry, as well as method development and capacity/capability development projects that support and expand food safety and food defense testing.

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to advance efforts for a nationally integrated animal food safety system providing state animal food regulatory programs the ability to achieve full implementation of the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) within 5 years and to maintain full implementation. This NOFO will also fund optional projects for state animal food regulatory programs to: Advance food safety and protect public health by strengthening partnerships with the FDA and other state animal food regulatory partners through sharing, collaboration, coordination, and leveraging each other’s expertise, work, data, and enforcement actions. Develop and standardize processes, procedures, systems, and other methods to integrate federal and state animal food regulatory work resulting in mutual reliance. Specific outcomes may include, but are not limited to: State animal food regulatory programs will achieve and maintain implementation of the AFRPS, which is recognized as a critical element to creating a national, fully integrated food safety system. Operational use of standardized animal food regulatory systems developed by state programs to compel federal reliance on state regulatory work and resources and reciprocal state reliance on federal work and resources, resulting in mutual reliance. This project will strengthen and improve FDA efforts to build an integrated food safety system by building high quality state animal food regulatory programs that can promote regulatory compliance and prevent foodborne illnesses.

REAP Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Program. Refer to Application Package AND Application Instruction links to obtain all necessary forms for a complete application. Contact State Energy Coordinators with questions: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf

This announcement supports Executive Order 14276, Restoring America’s Seafood Competitiveness, by soliciting projects that support: workforce development for marine-related professions in marine science, aquaculture/mariculture, and maritime operations; enhancing seafood safety and management through training in seafood best practices, marketing, and fishery management; technological innovation in fishing practices; outreach and education for consumers on quality and sustainability of wild caught fish or products farmed through aquaculture/mariculture; enhanced regionally-specific management of fishery resources based on local knowledge; and strengthening the seafood supply chain through partnerships with industry, researchers, and community organizations to build relationships that increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the marine community in Alaska. Proposed projects must be conducted in Alaska. 

The objectives for the use of cooperative agriculture in the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) are: production or modification of specific cover types or growing methods that meet the life history requirements of species for which we have established objectives (e.g., waterfowl production); production of foods for wildlife species for which we have established objectives; and/or maintenance, rehabilitation, or reestablishment of natural habitat. Cooperative agriculture is when a person or entity conducts agricultural practices on NWRS lands in support of the Service’s conservation and resource management objectives and there is substantial involvement between the Service and that person or entity. The NWRS uses cooperative agreements, known as Cooperative Agriculture Agreements (CAAs), as the legal instruments to formalize the agreement between the Service and the program participant. The cost-sharing of a person or entity in cooperative agricultural on NWRS lands can vary depending on the needs and objectives of the particular NWRS land. For example, the Service may provide the cooperator with the right to perform agricultural practices on NWRS land and a percentage of any resulting crop yield, as well as the ability to use Service water, equipment, and/or refuge staff. In exchange, the cooperator may provide the Service with labor, equipment, and materials; a percentage of any resulting crop yield; and/or maintenance, rehabilitation, or reestablishment of specific habitat conditions on NWRS lands. In addition to or instead of cost-sharing, the Service may accept bids for payment for the person or entity’s agriculture use (e.g. haying or grazing) on NWRS lands in compliance with the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act. This is a nonfinancial assistance program. No Federal funds are obligated or awarded to program participants. Because a CAA is not a financial assistance award, it is not subject to the regulations at 2 CFR 200 or policy in parts 515 and 516 of the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.