UPDATE: The deadline for applications has been extended to July 30.
FDA is announcing the availability of conference grant funding for meetings of State Food Protection Task Forces.
The notice provides for a change in the name of the grant program to align with the FDA Food Protection Plan and new policies that apply to the State Food Protection Task Force Meetings conference Grant Program. FDA anticipates providing approximately $160,000 in direct costs only in support of this program in fiscal year 2008.
The agency anticipates 32 awards will be made for up to $5,000 per award.
The FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) is the inspection component of the FDA and has 1,000 investigators and inspectors who cover the approximately 95,000 FDA regulated businesses in the United States and inspect more than 15,000 facilities a year. In addition to the standard inspection program, FDA's investigators and inspectors conduct special investigations, food inspection recall audits, and perform consumer complaint inspections and sample collections.
In the past, FDA has relied on the states in assisting with the previous duties through formal contracts, partnership agreements and other informal arrangements. The inspection demands on both the agency and the states are expected to increase. Accordingly, procedures need to be reviewed and innovative changes made that will increase effectiveness, efficiency and conserve resources. Examples of support include providing effective and efficient compliance of regulated products and, providing high-quality, science-based work that maximizes consumer protection.
This grant announcement is intended to encourage the development of a Task Force within each state and to provide funding for Task Force meetings. Conference grant funding is available to states that have an existing Food Safety and Food Defense Task Force, as well as to states that are in the process of developing a new Food Protection Task Force.
State Food Protection Task Force meetings should foster communication and cooperation among State, local, and tribal food protection public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies. Before submission of an application, the State shall designate one public health or food safety agency to lead, coordinate, and host the Food Protection and Food Security Task Force and its meetings. The formation of Food Protection and Food Security Task Force meetings shall not interfere with existing federal-state advisory mechanisms.
For more information, contact Gladys M. Bohler, FDA grants management specialist, at 301/827-7168 or Gladys.Melendez-Bohler@FDA.HHS.gov.