Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) Program

12/16/2003 Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) Program

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

Related Link: http://www.reeusda.gov/crgam/biotechrisk/biotech.htm

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