This funding opportunity supports USDA’s new comprehensive strategy to curb highly pathogenic avian influenza, protect the U.S. poultry industry, and lower egg prices as described in the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s February 26, 2025, press release, USDA Invests Up To $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Reduce Egg Prices.

Funding Priorities: APHIS will make available up to $100,000,000 in funds to support projects that address the funding priorities described in Appendix 1 of the Full Announcement. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any application or to make any Federal award as a result of this announcement.

Type of Assistance Instrument: Awards will be funded via cooperative agreements; interagency agreements will be used if the recipient is a federal agency. Cooperative agreements may include substantial involvement by APHIS to assist in the completion of the goals and objectives of the work.

Competitive Process: Funds will be awarded to the highest quality proposals through a merit-based competitive review and award process. The proposal review process is described in Section 6. The number of awards is contingent on the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of USDA.

Based on reviewer recommendations, APHIS may award less than the requested amount of funds for a project. In these cases, applicants may accept or decline the award that is offered. If applicants accept a reduced funding level, applicants will submit a revised application that addresses reviewer concerns and aligns with the award amount. APHIS will provide additional guidance to applicants in these situations.