Conformance with the Egg Regulatory Program Standards

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has released a forecasted cooperative agreement funding opportunity titled "Conformance with the Egg Regulatory Program Standards" (ERPS), Opportunity Number FOR-FD-25-021. This initiative reflects the FDA's ongoing commitment to advancing a nationally integrated food regulatory system. The opportunity is part of the FDA's efforts to enhance state-level egg regulatory programs and ensure conformity with national safety and inspection standards for shell eggs. The primary goal of the ERPS Cooperative Agreement is to provide financial and strategic support to state egg regulatory programs in achieving full conformance with the Egg Regulatory Program Standards. This conformance is anticipated to be reached within five years of initial funding, and the program allows for one year of initial funding with potential for up to two additional years of non-competitive continued support. Funding under this agreement is aimed at strengthening public health by improving inspection protocols, compliance, enforcement activities, and data sharing practices between state programs and the FDA. Eligible applicants for this opportunity are strictly limited to state-level egg regulatory programs that either currently hold an FDA egg inspection contract or are prepared to enter into such a contract in 2025. A prerequisite for funding is the existence of a current long-term 20.88 information sharing agreement with the FDA, along with a demonstrated commitment to full conformance with ERPS. States that have previously received ERPS funding are expected to be in the maintenance phase by the fifth year, with possible continued support if full conformance is upheld. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the FDA in guiding and supporting the project. The total available program funding is estimated at $94,000, with an award ceiling of $47,000 per applicant. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which aims to alleviate barriers for eligible programs wishing to participate. As of the forecast release date of July 11, 2025, the application timeline has not yet been finalized. Key dates such as the estimated post date, application due date, award date, and project start date are currently unspecified. Given the forecast status of this opportunity, potential applicants are encouraged to monitor updates through Grants.gov and prepare for a formal announcement of dates and application requirements. For more information or specific questions regarding the opportunity, applicants may contact Danielle Head at 301-796-2984. Additional details, including application forms and technical assistance, will be provided upon official release of the opportunity. The opportunity falls under the Assistance Listing Number 93.103 and aligns with the FDA's broader research and consumer protection activities in the food safety domain.