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EPA and DHS Accepting Proposals for Research on Microbial Risk Assessment for Homeland Security

Release Date: 07/21/2004
Contact Information:


Suzanne Ackerman, 202-564-7819 / [email protected]


(07/21/04) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking applications to fund a research center on microbial risk assessment needed to support homeland security objectives. One grant of up to $10 million will be awarded to establish the center. The goal of the new Cooperative Center of Excellence on Microbial Risk Assessment will be to arm policy-makers with the information needed to set decontamination goals. The new Center will address critical data gaps that block completion of credible microbial risk assessments for decontamination. Reliable microbial risk assessments are needed for government agencies to quickly evaluate and communicate real and potential risks for high-priority biological threat agents such as anthrax, smallpox, botulism, plague, viral hemorrhagic fever, and tularemia. The anticipated grant award is $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 per year for up to five years of study. The center will be funded through EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program and the Department of Homeland Security’s University Programs. DHS and EPA anticipate
funding one grant to be managed by EPA at the National Center for Environmental Research. Institutions of higher education and not-for-profit institutions located in the U.S. and tribal, state and local governments are eligible to apply. The deadline for receipt of applications is October 20, 2004. Details and application instructions are available at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/