Food Safety Cooperative Agreements
FSIS is authorized to use cooperative agreements to reflect a relationship between FSIS and cooperators to carry out educational programs or special studies to improve
Also, FSIS has been directed to further develop the Food Emergency Response Network, a network of Federal, state and local laboratories that provides the nation the analytic capabilities and capacity it needs to cope with agents threatening the food supply.
Examples of funded projects are listed on FSIS web site atwww.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/Cooperative_Agreements/.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
Program Accomplishments
The projects funded in fiscal year 2005 are expected to make demonstrable improvements in public health by promoting science-based reductions in the incidence of foodborne disease and other hazards associated with meat, poultry, and egg products, and to enhance food defenses through improved State and local government laboratory participation in the Food Emergency Response Network.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Available discretionary funds are contingent on annual appropriations.
Work products, where appropriate, are to be made available for use by other government agencies and accessible by the general public.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State, local and tribal government agencies; academic institutions and non-profit organizations.
Beneficiary Eligibility
General public.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Academic institutions; State, local and tribal government agencies; and non-profit organizations are invited to submit brief proposals (two to four pages) for cooperative agreements in any of the areas described in the request for proposals along with an SF-424. These proposals will be reviewed by FSIS. The criteria used by FSIS to assess proposals are listed for each cooperative agreement program area in the request for proposals. Cooperators whose proposals are selected for further project development will need to discuss and reach agreement with FSIS on project details to permit establishment of a cooperative agreement. Unlike typical Federal grants, cooperative agreements involve a Federal agency's active participation with the cooperator during both project development and project execution. Work products, where appropriate, are to be made available for use by other government agencies and accessible by the general public. All proposals should address the following points: * Project description, including specific goals, timeline, and deliverables; * Description of national public benefit expected, including expected utility of work products, for example, training manuals, CDs, and videos; * Projected costs, including cooperator contributions; * Projected performance measures; * Primary contact, principal investigator, and other likely participants, and; * All work products may be freely reproduced and distributed by FSIS.
Award Procedures
Cooperative agreement awards are made upon selection through a competitive process directed by the relevant FSIS program area. The program area identifies the awardees to the FSIS Administrative Services Division, which prepares and executes required documentation.
Deadlines
Refer to the request for proposals for the applicable fiscal year which is advertised annually in the federal register and at www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/Cooperative_Agreements/.
Authorization
Public Law 108-7,Section 713, 117 Statute 39; Public Law 108-447; H.R. Conference Report 108-792.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Generally from 30 to 90 days from the deadline listed in the request for proposals.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Renewals or extensions may be available under extraordinary circumstances if approved prior to the closing date of the initial agreements.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Generally, funding will be available for projects up to one year. Multi-year projects will be considered, but they are subject to annual renewal and may be affected by changes in FSIS' annual budget.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
The cooperative agreement will specify the frequency of submission of performance progress reports, which will not be more frequently than quarterly or less frequently than annually.
Also, a comprehensive final report is required which documents all activities conducted within the partnership project.
Audits
Recipients are subject to audit by the Office of the Inspector General, USDA, as set forth in OMB Circular No. A-133, or in Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Records
The recipient will maintain at its place of business all records required by the partnership agreement and the applicable OMB Circulars.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-3700-0-1-554.
Obigations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $1,000,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
FY 07 $12,000 to $100,000; $52,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
9 CFR 301-592, Inspection Regulations. Guidelines and literature can be found on FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships and Outreach Staff; Food Safety and Inspection Service (Mail drop 405 Aerospace); Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue., SW., Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: (202)690-6520.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Criteria used by the application review panel for recommending awards are listed in the request for proposals.
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