Projects
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
Deadline for Application: June 15, 2026
Estimated Review Period: June 15 – July 31, 2026
Estimated Period of Performance: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027
Award Amount: Up to $75,000/Institution
Overview of Funding Opportunity
There is a global recognition that the current evidence base to inform laboratory and on-farm biological risk management has gaps, and that applied agricultural biosafety and biosecurity policies are not always based on evidence. This notice of funding will support the design and implementation of applied agricultural biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens as identified during the RAV3N Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop or similar gap analysis like the WOAH working group agent specific biorisk gap analysis. ERGP is seeking proposals that address one or more key focus area components listed below. Each proposal will go through an internal ERGP and external expert review. Successful proposals should address at least one of the key focus areas and at least one component under that area.
Key Focus Areas
Area I: Agricultural Biosecurity, Systems (Prevention & Mitigation)
Objective: Research to strengthen agricultural production and food system protections to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of high-consequence animal and zoonotic pathogens.
Components: On-farm biosecurity engineering controls – equipment for built environment; cost-effectiveness and adoption science for biosafety and biosecurity interventions; guidance for on-farm biosecurity best practices; equipment integrity and infrastructure resilience; AI integration and cyberbiosecurity for agricultural production systems; supply chain and food system biosecurity; livestock and crop health protection measures; wildlife–livestock interface risk mitigation; and sanitation, decontamination, and waste management systems.
Area II: Laboratory & Diagnostics for Agricultural Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Biocontainment (Detection & Characterization)
Objective: Research to enhance secure pathogen detection, diagnostic innovation, and laboratory biocontainment capabilities supporting animal and zoonotic disease surveillance.
Components: Biocontainment systems i.e. improved guidance for effective and cost-efficient materials (flooring), systems (engineering controls), protocols (sample inactivation) for ABSL-3 and ABSL-3Ag; laboratory accident prevention and reporting; risk assessment (new/improved methodologies) for pathogens, personnel, and environmental exposure; personnel reliability and insider/outsider threat mitigation; AI integration, laboratory cyberbiosecurity and data protection; aerobiology and aerosol transmission risks; diagnostic development and validation for animal and zoonotic diseases; sample handling, transport, and validation protocols; and aquaculture biosecurity.
Area III: Operational Agricultural Biosecurity and Biosafety Systems Resilience (Response & Recovery)
Objective: Research to strengthen operational systems that support coordinated detection, response, and recovery from agricultural disease events.
Components: Occupational health and worker protection across laboratory, field, and farm environments; new/improved guidance on infection prevention control and quarantine standards; incident reporting and response coordination mechanisms; operational testing of biosecurity systems through exercises and simulations; and continuity-of-operations planning for agricultural and animal health systems; risk communication and extension strategies; innovative methodologies for workforce innovation and capacity development; and integrated biosurveillance and field monitoring systems.
Note: Components are listed in order of priority
In addition to publishing our findings with our awarded recipients, ERGP will make all materials (and accompanying guidance) available on our ERGP website, free to download and access. Our intent is to improve the sharing of lessons learned from both governmental and non-governmental communities of practice and support the rollout of evidence-based approaches for addressing agricultural biorisk.
Grants will be awarded to selected institutions for up to $75,000 USD in funding support over a 12-month period of performance. Each facility will develop a budget associated with the research plan to be approved before funds are distributed. Participating laboratories are required to provide a mandatory 20% cost share contribution to the overall project budget. Detailed instructions on submission for this RFP can be found below. Only complete submissions will be reviewed and considered for funding.
Proposal Consideration
This funding opportunity aims at the design and implementation of applied agricultural biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens. This work will contribute to recommended guidance on laboratory biosafety, using research techniques to evaluate the application and effectiveness in operational contexts. All proposals must make a clear experimental plan for how the applicant will test the application and outcomes of their focus area(s)/component(s) in their facility.
Eligible Applicants
ERGP welcomes submissions from laboratories across the United States working with high-priority veterinary and agricultural pathogens. Applicants should demonstrate an established or planned partnership with either a USDA or RAV3N-network laboratory in their proposal.
Content Consideration
Applicants must follow the instructions and conditions contained herein and supply all information required. Failure to furnish complete information or comply with stated requirements will result in disqualification from consideration. All applicants must set forth full, accurate, and complete information on the two sections required for this NOFO.
Contract Terms and Conditions
To be eligible to receive an award, successful applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) via SAM.gov, complete a JHU administered profile questionnaire, and register with JHU PaymentWorks as a subrecipient vendor.
NOFO and Materials
- Stakeholder Pre-Application Form
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF)
- Elizabeth R. Griffin Program Project Proposal Template (DOCX)
- ERGP Budget Justification Template (DOCX)
- ERGP RFP Budget Template (XLSX)
- Submit your proposal
Contact Us
If you have any questions on the requirements, please contact our Senior Analyst, Alanna, at [email protected].
Year 2 | Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
With gratitude to all who submitted applications, ERGP is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research funding opportunity.
Dr. Loni Taylor, DVM
Texas A&M University School of Public Health Global Health Research Complex
Project: The Feasibility and Effectiveness of Laminar Flow UV Air Filtration System use for Pathogen Exposure Reduction in Dairy Shared Spaces
Key Focus Areas: On-Farm Biocontainment and Biosecurity Measures, Improving Engineering Solutions to Mitigate Pathogens
Dr. Christopher Good, DVM, PhD
The Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute
Project: Assessing biofilter treatment strategies for enhanced biosecurity in recirculating aquaculture systems
Key Focus Area: On-Farm Biocontainment and Biosecurity Measures
Dr. Dennis Bente, DVM, PhD
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Project: Improving shower-out practices: Assess the role of oil-based hair pre-treatment and hair volume on the risk of fomite transmission
Key Focus Areas: Applied Agricultural Biosafety, Building Resilience
Dr. Kurt Zuelke, DVM, PhD
Texas A&M University Global Health Research Complex
Project: Investigate and Analyze Effectiveness of Pathogen Dispersion Mitigation Strategies at High Containment Large Animal Research Facilities
Key Focus Area: Facility Management & Innovation
We extend our sincere thanks to the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for supporting this important initiative. We look forward to working with this second cohort of awardees as they address critical evidence gaps in applied research.
Special thanks to our expert review committee:
- Mr. Joseph Kozlovac, MS, RBP, CBSP, SM (NRCM), USDA ARS
- Dr. Roxann Motroni, DVM, PhD, USDA ARS
- Dr. Travis McCarthy, PhD, RBP (ABSA), USDA APHIS
- Ms. Rebecca Moritz, MS, CBSP (ABSA), SM (NRCM), Colorado State University
- Dr. Sherry Bohn, PhD, MSL, CBSP (ABSA), University of Maryland, Baltimore; ABSA International
- Mr. James Welch, ERGP
- Dr. Elke Mühlberger, PhD, Boston University, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
Year 2 | Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Details
Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
Deadline for Application: December 1, 2025
Estimated Review Period: December 1 - December 31, 2025
Estimated Period of Performance: February 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027
Award Amount: Up to $75,000/Institution
Overview of Funding Opportunity
There is a global recognition that the current evidence base to inform laboratory and on-farm biological risk management has gaps, and that applied agricultural biosafety and biosecurity policies are not always based on evidence. This notice of funding will support the design and implementation of applied agricultural biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens as identified during the RAV3N Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop or similar gap analysis like the WOAH working group agent specific biorisk gap analysis. ERGP is seeking proposals that address one or more key focus area components listed below. Each proposal will go through an internal ERGP and external expert review. Successful proposals should address at least one of the key focus areas and at least one component under that area.
Key Focus Areas
Area IA: On-Farm Biocontainment and Biosecurity Measures
Components: Improving engineering solutions to mitigating pathogens; cost-benefit analysis of implementing various biosecurity interventions (based on sector, production stage, and/or target pathogen); Cyberbiosecurity threats (securing farming systems from interference); Sanitation, decontamination and/or waste management; and Equipment maintenance
Area IB: Laboratory Biocontainment and Biosecurity Measures
Components: Risk assessment (pathogen, people and/or environment); Aquaculture biosecurity; Cyberbiosecurity threats (protection of intellectual property, securing laboratory systems from interference); Aerobiology and aerosol dispersal; Sanitation, decontamination and/or waste management; Equipment maintenance; and Insider threat/Outsider threat/Personnel reliability programs
Area II: Applied Agricultural Biosafety – Building Resilience
Components: Risk Communication Strategies (operational, messaging, or extension education strategies/modalities); Laboratory accidents (prevention, reporting mechanisms, response); Occupational health and worker safety (laboratory, field, farm, extension services); Field biosafety (surveillance, response); Field techniques (local, state, federal); Sample transport (decontamination, inactivation, and/or validation in field and on farm); and Workforce development* (innovative approaches to addressing agricultural biorisk management challenges)
* Proposals that address workforce development must describe how the proposed objective(s) and deliverable(s) incorporate new learning technologies, techniques, and/or core competencies. We are looking for innovative approaches to addressing agricultural biorisk management challenges; if training is a portion of that, you must clearly articulate how the proposed curriculum/training will advance the current evidence base and how you plan to make it accessible at the end of the project.
In addition to publishing our findings with our awarded recipients, ERGP will make all materials (and accompanying guidance) available on our ERGP website, free to download and access. Our intent is to improve the sharing of lessons learned from both governmental and non-governmental communities of practice and support the rollout of evidence-based approaches for addressing agricultural biorisk.
Grants will be awarded to selected institutions for up to $75,000 USD in funding support over a 12-month period of performance. Each facility will develop a budget associated with the research plan to be approved before funds are distributed. Participating laboratories are required to provide a mandatory 20% cost share contribution to the overall project budget. Detailed instructions on submission for this RFP can be found below. Only complete submissions will be reviewed and considered for funding.
Proposal Consideration
This funding opportunity aims at the design and implementation of applied agricultural biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens.
This work will contribute to recommended guidance on laboratory biosafety, using research techniques to evaluate the application and effectiveness in operational contexts. All proposals must make a clear experimental plan for how the applicant will test the application and outcomes of their focus area(s)/component(s) in their facility.
Eligible Applicants
ERGP welcomes submissions from laboratories across the United States working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens. Applicants must demonstrate a partnership with either a USDA or RAV3N-network laboratory in their proposal.
Content Consideration
Applicants must follow the instructions and conditions contained herein and supply all information required. Failure to furnish complete information or comply with stated requirements will result in disqualification from consideration.
Contact Us
If you have any questions on the requirements, please contact our Program Manager, Hannah, at [email protected].
Year 1 | Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
With much gratitude to all of those who submitted applications, we at ERGP are proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research funding opportunity.
Dr. Dennis Bente, DVM, PhD
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Effectiveness of shower-out procedures on different hairstyles and the use of hair covers to eliminate fomite contamination
Key focus areas: Facility Management and Innovation
Dr. Kurt Zuelke, DVM, PhD
Texas A&M University Global Health Research Complex
Optimization of Airflow at High Containment Large Animal Research Facilities to Reduce Pathogen Spread
Key Focus Areas: Facility Management and Innovation
Dr. Phillipe Sessou, PhD
University of Abomey-Calavi Research Unit on Communicable Diseases
Strengthening biosafety and biosecurity practices in veterinary laboratories in Benin to mitigate high-consequence pathogen risks (B-SAFE VET)
Key focus areas: Facility Management and Workforce Development
Dr. Dodd Sledge, DVM, PhD
Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Addressing Biorisk Process Gaps and Training Program Deficiencies in a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory’s Necropsy Facility
Key focus areas: Facility Management and Workforce Development
We thank the United States Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for supporting this important initiative. We look forward to supporting the first cohort of awardees as they address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence agricultural and veterinary pathogens.
A special thank you to our expert review committee:
- Mr. Joseph Kozlovac, MS, RBP, CBSP, SM(NRCM), USDA ARS
- Dr. Travis McCarthy, PhD, RBP(ABSA), USDA APHIS
- Ms. Rebecca Moritz, MS, CBSP (ABSA), SM (NRCM), Colorado State University
- Dr. Sherry Bohn, PhD, MSL, CBSP(ABSA), University of Maryland, Baltimore, ABSA International
- Mr. James Welch, ERGP
- Dr. Heather Fowler, VMD, MPH, PhD, National Pork Board
- Dr. Elke Mühlberger, PhD, Boston University, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
Year 1 | Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Details
Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
Deadline for Application: April 14, 2025
Estimated Review Period: April 14-May 14, 2025
Estimated Period of Performance: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Award Amount: Up to $75,000/Institution
Overview
There is a global recognition that the current evidence base to inform laboratory biological risk management has gaps, and that biosafety and biosecurity policies are not always based on evidence.1 This notice of funding will support the design and implementation of applied biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens as identified during the RAV3N Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop2 or similar gap analysis like the WOAH working group agent specific biorisk gap analysis.1 ERGP is seeking proposals that address one or more key focus area components listed below. Each proposal will go through an internal ERGP and external expert review. Successful proposals should address at least one of the three key focus areas and at least one component under that area.
Key Focus Areas
Area I: Facilities Management
Components: Hierarchy of Controls in Labs, Dispersal of Infectious Aerosols, Animal Housing, Waste Management, Equipment Maintenance; Risk Assessment Methodologies; and/or Workflow and processes within facilities.
Area II: Workforce Development
Components: Training and curriculum in Agriculture Biorisk (to address all levels and align with novel technologies or processes); Personnel Retention; Insider threat/Outsider Threat/Personnel Reliability Programs; Multidisciplinary Approaches in Agriculture Biorisk (establishing best practices); and/or Exposure Monitoring (LAIs)/Incident Reporting processes.
Area III: Innovation
Components: Greener Technologies (disinfectants/ waste management/ laboratory consumables and building operations); Risk Communication Strategies; Developing Mis/Disinformation Resiliency; Cost Effectiveness and Efficiency Efforts; Remote Sensing/Robotics; Cybersecurity, Data-sharing (protocols and procedures); Field Techniques (local/state/federal); Risk Assessment (pathogen, people and/or environment)
Grants will be awarded to selected institutions for up to $75,000 USD in funding support over a 12-month period of performance. Each facility will develop a budget associated with the research plan to be approved before funds are distributed. Participating laboratories are required to provide a mandatory 20% cost share contribution to the overall project budget. Detailed instructions on submission for this RFP can be found below. Only complete submissions will be reviewed and considered for funding.
Proposal Consideration
This funding opportunity aims at the design and implementation of applied biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens.
This work will contribute to recommended guidance on laboratory biosafety and agricultural biosecurity, using research techniques to evaluate the application and effectiveness in operational contexts. All proposals must make a clear experimental plan for how the applicant will test the application and outcomes of their focus area(s)/component(s) in their facility.
Eligible Applicants
ERGP welcomes submissions from laboratories working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens at land grant universities, research and academic institutions.
Content Consideration
Applicants must follow the instructions and conditions contained in the NOFO and supply all information required. Failure to furnish complete information or comply with stated requirements will result in disqualification from consideration.
Contact Us
If you have any questions on the requirements, please contact our Program Manager at [email protected].