USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) solicits applications for an estimated $3.0 million in grants for the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants Program (BRAG). Applications must be received by close of business February 10, 2004 ( 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

The purpose of the BRAG is to assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about the effects of introducing into the environment genetically modified organisms, including plants, microorganisms (including fungi, bacteria, and viruses), arthropods, fish, birds, mammals, and other animals excluding humans. Investigations of effects on both managed and natural environments are relevant.

In accordance with the legislative authority in section 7210 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA) (7 U.S.C. 7901), "research designed to identify and develop appropriate management practices to minimize physical and biological risks associated with genetically engineered animals, plants, and microorganisms" will also be solicited by the BRAG.

New for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004:

Requests should be limited to a total budget of $400,000 (including indirect costs) for 2-5 years of support. Proposals requesting a total budget of more than $400,000 (including indirect costs) will be returned to the applicant without review.

Proposals focusing on issues related to pest resistance management will NOT be accepted. Proposals addressing pest resistance management may be submitted to the USDA National Research Initiative (NRI) Integrative Biology of Arthropods and Nematode Program, the USDA NRI Arthropod and Nematode Gateways to Biology and Genomics Program, or the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension (406) program on Integrated Pest Management. More information on these programs is available at: www.reeusda.gov (click on “funding opportunities”.

Applications may be submitted by any United States public or private research or educational institution or organization. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. Applications will be evaluated by a peer panel of scientists.

CSREES and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture jointly administer the BRAG.

For questions, please contact:

Dr. Deb Hamernik
National Program Leader
CSREES-PAS
U.S. Department of Agriculture
STOP 2220
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington , D.C. 20250-2220
Phone: (202) 401-4202
Fax: (202) 401-1602
E-mail: dhamernik@csrees.usda.gov