Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants Program | USDA NIFA BRAP 006674

Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA BRAP 006674

The Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). Its core goal is to fund research that produces new, credible scientific information needed by federal regulatory agencies when they evaluate the environmental impacts of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. In practical terms, BRAG is meant to strengthen the evidence base behind regulatory decisions, so agencies can make science-based determinations about potential risks, safety, and environmental outcomes associated with introducing GE organisms outside of contained laboratory settings.

The scope of organisms covered by BRAG is broad. It explicitly includes genetically engineered plants and microorganisms, with examples such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and it also extends to engineered arthropods and animals such as fish, birds, mammals, and other non-human animals. The program is focused on what happens when these organisms are introduced into the environment, so it emphasizes environmental interactions and consequences rather than human clinical or medical applications. Research can address both managed environments (for example, agricultural fields, aquaculture facilities, or other production systems) and natural environments (such as surrounding ecosystems where engineered organisms or their genetic traits could potentially spread, persist, or interact with wildlife and habitats).

From a regulatory relevance standpoint, BRAG-funded studies are expected to connect directly to real oversight questions faced by federal agencies. That can include generating data on how a GE organism behaves in the environment, how it might affect non-target species, whether and how gene flow could occur, what ecological shifts might follow introduction, how long the organism or engineered trait persists, and what conditions influence containment, dispersal, or unintended effects. The overarching emphasis is on producing results that regulators can use when assessing environmental release, permits, compliance requirements, monitoring strategies, and risk management decisions.

Administratively, the opportunity is identified as USDA NIFA BRAP 006674 and is associated with CFDA number 10.219 under the Agriculture funding activity category. The funding instrument is a grant. The posted award ceiling is up to $500,000 per award, and the opportunity anticipated around 50 awards. The listing indicates it was created on November 21, 2018, with an original closing date of February 20, 2019. Eligibility is not limited to a single applicant type in the summary provided and is listed as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility section of the original announcement.

Overall, BRAG is best understood as a targeted research funding program designed to fill knowledge gaps that matter for environmental biotechnology oversight. It prioritizes studies that translate into actionable, science-based evidence for federal decision-makers who must evaluate the ecological implications of releasing or managing genetically engineered organisms in real-world settings.

• The Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.219.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 21, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 20, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for USDA NIFA BRAP 006674

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