Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for research and educational institutions studying ecological effects of genetically engineered organisms. Public or private institutions conducting research on GE plants, animals, microorganisms, and arthropods may apply. The program funds risk assessment research to support federal regulatory decision-making. No cost-sharing is required.
Program description
The purpose of the BRAG program, Assistance Listing 10.219, is to support the generation of new information that will assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about the ecological effects of introducing genetically engineered (GE) organisms by techniques that use recombinant, synthesized, or amplified nucleic acids to modify or create a genome. The organisms include plants, microorganisms (including fungi, bacteria, and viruses), arthropods, fish, birds, livestock, and other animals. These include related wild and agricultural organisms.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (research design and methods)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Curriculum vitae for key personnel
- Letters of support or collaboration agreements
Program contact
- 👤 Angela Tatum Policy Specialist
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 0000000000
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.219 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$650,000
-
$650,000
-
$650,000
-
$650,000
-
$649,999
-
$649,998
-
$649,996
-
$649,929
-
$649,916
-
$649,847
Top States by Funding
- MD 7 awards $3.9M
- TX 6 awards $3.1M
- NC 7 awards $2.8M
- OR 4 awards $2.3M
- CA 5 awards $1.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.219). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $5,283,132 | |
| 2025 | $3,612,085 | |
| 2026 est. | $5,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the BRAG program?
Public or private research institutions and educational organizations are eligible. Government agencies and individuals are not eligible.
What types of organisms are covered by this grant?
Research may focus on genetically engineered plants, microorganisms, arthropods, fish, birds, livestock, and other animals. Related wild and agricultural organisms are also included.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $25,000 to $650,000. Total program funding is $5 million annually.
What should my research focus on?
The program prioritizes science-based risk assessment research on ecological effects of GE organisms. Work should support federal regulatory decision-making processes.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. Cost-sharing is not required for this program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research question directly with federal regulatory needs. Show how findings will inform policy decisions.
- Emphasize scientific rigor and reproducibility. Reviewers expect robust experimental design and clear methodology.
- Address ecological effects explicitly. General biotechnology research without environmental focus is unlikely to be competitive.
- Partner with regulatory agencies if possible. Collaboration strengthens applications by ensuring relevance to agency decision-making.
- Document your institution's capacity for research compliance. Include evidence of laboratory certifications and biosafety protocols.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear connection to federal regulatory decision-making. Research that is interesting scientifically but not policy-relevant will not score well. Vague descriptions of ecological effects or inadequate risk assessment methodology are common rejections.
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