The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is offering the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) cooperative agreement program to enhance state human and animal food testing laboratories' capacity and capabilities. This initiative supports the Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS) through targeted sample testing and food defense preparedness. The program seeks to improve microbiology, chemistry, and radiochemistry testing, strengthen laboratory preparedness, and increase sample throughput capacity. The overarching goal is to advance national food safety by fostering a coordinated, integrated laboratory network.

The LFFM focuses on routine product testing, whole genome sequencing, and emergency response testing to identify and mitigate foodborne hazards. The project is structured into multiple analytical tracks within microbiology, chemistry, and radiochemistry disciplines, each with specific funding allocations. Participating laboratories must engage in required activities, including attending annual meetings, maintaining proficiency testing, adhering to FDA protocols, and actively contributing to national surveillance and response efforts.

Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and township governments, special district governments, federally and non-federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, and public or private institutions of higher education. Applicants must be accredited under ISO 17025 for at least one human or animal food testing method, have a valid FDA 20.88 agreement, and demonstrate their ability to collect and analyze samples in compliance with program requirements. Foreign organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.

The program offers funding of up to $25 million in fiscal year 2025, with an estimated 75 awards. Individual applicants can receive up to $1,500,000 annually, depending on the selected analytical tracks and sample volume commitments. The project period can extend up to five years, with annual renewal based on performance and available appropriations. The funding supports activities such as method development, validation, emergency response testing, and surveillance projects aimed at detecting microbiological and chemical hazards in food products.

Applications must adhere to specific submission requirements, including pre-registration with the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. The application process involves submitting a Letter of Intent before the deadline, after which eligible applicants receive additional program documentation and sample project lists. The full proposal must be submitted electronically and comply with FDA review criteria, which differ from NIH guidelines.

Evaluation criteria include the applicant’s ability to meet program goals, the feasibility of proposed projects, the adequacy of personnel and facilities, and adherence to FDA sampling and testing protocols. The review process consists of a scientific merit review in April each year, followed by funding decisions in July. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure error-free submission, as late applications will not be accepted.

Key deadlines include Letter of Intent submissions due annually in December and full applications due in March or January of each respective year. The earliest possible start date for funded projects is July following the application cycle. Additional details, including technical support sessions and required submission documents, will be provided upon receipt of a Letter of Intent.