CVM Vet-LIRN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Program (U18) Clinical Trials Not Allowed

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to solicit applications from institutions/organizations for inclusion into FDA's Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network Cooperative Agreement Program for Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories. These Cooperative agreements are intended to: 1. Strengthen coordination of veterinary diagnostic laboratory efforts as related to the national food safety system by supporting research and capacity building during case investigations, including chemical, microbiological, pathological, or other complex analyses to help determine cases of potential adulteration or contamination of animal foods or animal drugs. 2. Support validation and harmonization of analytical methods and equipment platforms, supporting research into questions arising during case investigations. 3. Strengthen coordination of veterinary diagnostic laboratory efforts as related to the national food safety system, as put forth in the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by developing the Vet-LIRN laboratory Network's ability to investigate potential animal foodborne illness outbreaks. 4. Support training, quality assurance processes, proficiency exercises, and data sharing to support development of veterinary diagnostic laboratories. 5. Support laboratory efforts to obtain accreditation (AAVLD, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation) or adopt a quality system comparable to international standards. Please limit this field to a brief description of to page in length. Brevity is appreciated.