American Rescue Plan Centers of Excellence for Meat and Poultry Processing and Food Safety Research and Innovation Phase III

The goal of this directed Request for Applications (RFA) is to make emerging technologies more accessible to small and mid-size processors through work with small business innovators that have demonstrated significant efficacy in development and advancements towards commercialization of relevant technology. Eligible meat and poultry processing channels include independent business owners, entrepreneurs, producers, and other groups, such as cooperatives and worker associations who are less resourced. Awards will be made to select technology providers that are past SBIR/STTR Phase I/II recipients that can provide rapid technological advancements to small and mid-size processors in three priority areas: 1. Monitoring and improving complex processes, 2. Worker safety, and 3. Food safety. The purpose of a research application is to provide a written statement that contains sufficient information to objectively ascertain that the proposed activities demonstrate a sound approach to an innovation that answers both a scientific question and has a strong potential to be commercialized. Selection of awardees will be an expedited and opportunistic process by NIFA and USDA staff based upon 1) appropriate fit to at least one of the three priority areas and 2) likelihood of impact to meeting the Secretary’s objectives. A peer/external review panel will not be used. The awardees will have other requirements to validate their eligibility, and yet other criteria may be selected relevant to the Secretary’s guidance based upon the number of select invitees that apply.