NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health (U54)

The Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AgFF) sector is essential to the safety, security, and economic stability of the U.S. because it produces the nation's food, fuel, and fiber. At the same time, AgFF workers experience some of the highest occupational fatality and non-fatal injury rates of any sector. AgFF workers also face increased risk of poor mental health, death by suicide, and substance use disorder. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is committed to addressing a wide range of occupational health and safety hazards affecting people who work in the production, processing, and transportation of AgFF products. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will support up to twelve regional NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health (AgFF Centers). Each AgFF Center will advance the NIOSH mission and priorities through high-quality research, education, training, and outreach. Key Center activities include: • Conducting high-quality, multidisciplinary science, with an emphasis on intervention and implementation research; • Advancing AgFF research-to-practice (r2p) by translating scientific discoveries into practical, real-world solutions; • Developing and evaluating technology, including AI and automation, to reduce workplace hazards and improve health outcomes for AgFF workers; • Engaging with a variety of regional and national partners to effectively communicate new knowledge and best practices; • Integrating food systems and One Health approaches into occupational safety, health, and well-being; and • Improving the coordination and collection of data on injury, illness, disability, and death for AgFF workers. AgFF Centers work closely with NIOSH AgFF program leadership and collaborate with other AgFF Centers, NIOSH scientists (when applicable), academic and research partners, industry and community groups, and other organizations. Funded Centers are expected to have significant, widespread, and sustained local and regional impact. Together, these efforts should collectively contribute to the national advancement of AgFF workers' safety, health, and well-being.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (i.e., Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the HHS Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to stated program objectives. Training Grants: Criteria used in evaluating training proposals include: (1) Overall potential contribution of the project toward meeting program objectives; (2) the need for training in the areas outlined in the application; (3) curriculum content and design; (4) previous record of training; (5) evaluation methods; (6) experience and training of the project director and staff; (7) institutional commitment; (8) academic and physical environment; (9) past performance; and (10) appropriateness of budget. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness...

This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Not Applicable.