Fishery Products Inspection and Certification
The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation's economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels.
Program Accomplishments
As of December 2004, over 325 official establishments were under contract inspection. Over 175 of those contract establishments participate in the voluntary NMFS HACCP quality management program.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The voluntary inspection, grading and certification of seafood is made at the processing plant, or at other locations depending upon the inspection services desired.
Funds are derived from fees charged for the services provided.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Any individual, Federal, State, county, or municipal agencies, or carrier having a financial interest in the commodity.
Beneficiary Eligibility
General public.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must stipulate that they have a financial interest in the product. Applicants for in-plant inspection service must furnish a surety bond or other guarantee of payment. Applicants for other types of services may be required to furnish a surety bond or make payment prior to the receipt of services.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Applicants for in-plant inspection services must do so in writing to the nearest regional inspection office. Requests for other types of services may be made orally or in writing to the Regional Inspection Office.
Award Procedures
Not applicable.
Deadlines
None.
Authorization
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, Public Law 79-733, 7 U.S.C. 1624-1627; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, Public Law 84-1024, 16 U.S.C. 742(a)-742(j); Reorganization Plan No. 4, 1970.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Not applicable.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
Not applicable.
Records
Not applicable.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-1450-0-1-306.
Obigations
FY 07 $18,000,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
50 CFR Chapter II, Parts 260 to 267; Inspection Services Brochure, USDC approved list of fish establishments and products, free. Also available on the Internet at http://seafood.nmfs.noaa.gov/. Service fees are established annually.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Inspection Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Services, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-2355. Toll free: (1-800) 422-2750.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
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