Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance, with Mutual Reliance Initiatives

The Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance, with Mutual Reliance Initiatives, is a discretionary grant opportunity managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This initiative seeks to further a nationally integrated animal food safety system by empowering state-level regulatory programs to achieve and sustain implementation of the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). These standards represent a critical element in creating a unified, nationwide food safety framework that leverages both state and federal resources. This funding opportunity is focused on both the maintenance and advancement of AFRPS implementation across state regulatory programs. In addition, it provides support for optional projects aimed at developing and standardizing procedures and systems that enhance mutual reliance between federal and state agencies. Mutual reliance in this context refers to the operational trust and coordinated work between different levels of government, enabling shared responsibilities and recognition of regulatory efforts in the oversight of animal food safety. Eligible applicants are limited to national organizations or associations with recognized authority and responsibility for animal food regulation within their jurisdictions. To qualify, applicants must maintain an animal food safety contract in satisfactory condition and be willing to enter into a 20.88 information disclosure agreement with the FDA. Additionally, they must possess or be willing to obtain a commissioning certificate to facilitate interjurisdictional information sharing. While the total estimated program funding is not disclosed, each award is set at a fixed amount of $10,600,000. The FDA anticipates making up to 30 awards under this program. As a cooperative agreement, recipients will engage in significant collaboration with the FDA throughout the period of performance. This forecasted opportunity is expected to be formally posted later, with application and award dates still pending as of the August 14, 2024, forecast update. Grant inquiries may be directed to Terrin Brown, the grantor contact, via phone at 240-402-7610 or email at [email protected]. Applicants should monitor Grants.gov and FDA channels for official updates on the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), including submission deadlines and finalized objectives. Outputs and evaluation metrics for this program are still under development and may be revised prior to the final publication of the NOFO.