Coordinating Agricultural Development Innovation (CADI) Armenia Exchanges: U.S. Food Safety Regulations and Standards Training Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Foreign Agricultural Service, has issued a funding opportunity under the Technical Agricultural Assistance Program to support an international training initiative focused on U.S. food safety regulations and standards. This program is part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural trade relationships and promote U.S. regulatory frameworks abroad. Specifically, the initiative aims to enhance cooperation between the United States and Armenia by equipping Armenian public and private sector representatives with the knowledge necessary to understand and apply U.S. food safety systems. The program aligns with U.S. trade priorities and seeks to expand export opportunities for American agricultural products, technologies, and services. The core purpose of the funding is to support the design and delivery of a comprehensive training program hosted within the United States for nine Armenian participants. These participants will include government officials, private sector representatives, NGO staff, and an academic researcher. The training is expected to last one to two consecutive weeks and will provide both theoretical instruction and practical exposure to U.S. food safety systems. The host institution is responsible for proposing training locations, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that participants receive a structured and immersive educational experience. Funding under this opportunity totals $110,000, with one anticipated award. The funding must be used strictly for allowable program activities, including training delivery, participant logistics, and program administration. Certain restrictions apply, including limitations on indirect costs, which may not exceed 10 percent of direct costs for cost-reimbursable agreements. Funds may not be used for lobbying, matching other federal awards, or unrelated capital expenditures. Compensation for personnel is also capped according to federal guidelines. While cost sharing is not required, it is encouraged as a demonstration of institutional commitment. Eligibility is limited to state cooperative institutions and other accredited colleges and universities within the United States, as defined by federal statute. Applicants must maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and demonstrate the capability to design and implement international training programs. Institutions must also show relevant expertise in agricultural systems, food safety regulations, and adult education, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. Applications that fail to meet eligibility or submission requirements will be disqualified. The application process requires submission through the USDA ezFedGrants system and includes several components such as standard federal forms, a detailed budget narrative, and a comprehensive project plan. The project narrative must outline the training curriculum, logistical arrangements, institutional qualifications, and evaluation methods. Applicants must also describe how they will assess participant learning outcomes and adapt to unforeseen challenges. The agency emphasizes clarity, completeness, and alignment with program objectives in evaluating submissions. Applications will be reviewed based on technical expertise, experience in international training, quality of the proposed training plan, budget justification, and overall application quality. A review panel will score eligible applications and make recommendations to a selecting official. Final award decisions may consider strategic priorities and are not subject to appeal. Selected applicants will be notified via email, and final awards will be contingent upon completion of all required documentation and compliance checks. Key dates for this opportunity include a question submission deadline of May 6, 2026, and an application submission deadline of May 14, 2026. The training program is expected to occur after participant selection and planning phases are complete. The program does not specify a recurring cycle and appears to be a one-time funding opportunity. For inquiries, applicants may contact the designated program officer via email or phone during standard business hours.

Ensure strong technical expertise in food safety systems; provide detailed and realistic training plan; align budget clearly with allowable costs; demonstrate international training experience