Feed the Future Innovation Labs

The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Food Security has announced a significant opportunity for U.S. universities to lead research-focused Feed the Future Innovation Labs, aimed at addressing the global challenges of hunger, poverty, and malnutrition. Through this Statement of Interest (SOI), the Department seeks applicants to serve as Management Entities for these Innovation Labs, which are a cornerstone of the United States’ global food security strategy under the Global Food Security Act. These Labs are expected to carry out high-impact agricultural research initiatives that not only contribute to food and nutrition security in developing regions but also generate measurable benefits to the American public by supporting U.S. agricultural strength, economic growth, and national security. Funded with Development Assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act, this initiative is aligned with the America First policy approach, emphasizing the strategic use of agricultural innovation to mitigate risks from global agricultural threats and food insecurity that could impact U.S. systems. The Innovation Labs are designed to be hubs of excellence within U.S. universities—especially land-grant institutions—that drive the development and dissemination of technologies and practices to improve agricultural productivity, mitigate threats to food systems, and build resilience to climate and economic shocks. Supported research may include crop breeding, animal health, food safety, and reduction of post-harvest loss, among other critical areas. Eligible applicants are limited to U.S. colleges and universities that meet the criteria outlined in Section 296(d) of Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act. This includes land-grant universities, sea-grant colleges, Native American land-grant colleges, and other U.S. institutions with demonstrated capacities in agricultural sciences. Other U.S. and non-U.S. entities may participate as subrecipients, but the primary applicant must meet the above eligibility. Cost sharing is not required and will not be factored into the merit review but may be discussed later in the negotiation phase. The funding mechanism includes up to $64 million in total program funding for FY 2026, with individual awards ranging between $20 million and $40 million, and an anticipated 5 to 7 awards issued. The performance period for each award is up to 60 months, with possible noncompetitive renewals contingent on progress, funding availability, and program alignment with U.S. interests. The anticipated project start date is no later than September 30, 2026. Submissions must be received by April 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST, and will initially be limited to an 8-page SOI. Successful applicants may then be invited to submit full proposals for final merit review. Each SOI must outline a clear project concept, objectives, proposed geographic regions, anticipated outcomes, and a list of proposed partners. Projects should include measurable pathways from research to implementation and describe how outcomes will contribute to both international development and U.S. national interests. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework is encouraged, and strong consideration is given to efforts that reduce reliance on emergency food aid, expand U.S. market access, and support stability in food-insecure regions. All questions regarding the SOI must be directed to [email protected] by February 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST, with FAQ responses to be posted publicly by March 4, 2026. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applications must be submitted via grants.gov or MyGrants by the stated deadline, with no acceptance of late, faxed, couriered, or emailed applications.

Clearly define impact pathways, ensure scalability, and align with U.S. interests for food security and economic gain.