The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) Bureau of FoodLaboratories has actively worked with Food Emergency Response Network since theearly planning days. As a current FERN laboratory (see attached FERN AcceptanceLetter, 2004), the DACS Bureau of Food Laboratories is applying for the cooperativeagreement titled: FDA FERN Microbiological Cooperative Agreement Program (U18),announcement PAR-09-215, with anticipation of funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2010,2010-2011, and 2011-2012.The DACS Bureau of Food Laboratories is willing and able to participate in the following3 project areas:1. Participation in FDA/FERN sample analysis2. Providing of analytical data for potential regulatory utilization3. Participation in small-scale method development, method validation, andmatrix extension work, as determined by FERN NPOThe Bureau of Food Laboratories desires to ensure the goal of ORA's cooperativeagreement program is fulfilled, enabling the analyses of foods and food products in theevent that laboratory surge capacity is needed by FERN and the FDA for analysesrelated to microbiological contamination, either through intentional or unintentionalmeans.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) Bureau of Food Laboratories has actively worked with Food Emergency Response Network since the early planning days. Our staff currently works on many committees and workgroups to ensure the viability of Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), and is committed to the concept and structure of FERN to ensure the food safety of our nation. As a current FERN laboratory (see attached FERN Acceptance Letter, 2004), the DACS Bureau of Food Laboratories is applying for the cooperative agreement titled: FDA FERN Microbiological Cooperative Agreement Program (U18), announcement PAR-09-215, with anticipation of funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012. The DACS Bureau of Food Laboratories is willing and able to participate in the following 3 project areas: 1. Participation in FDA/FERN sample analysis 2. Providing of analytical data for potential regulatory utilization 3. Participation in small-scale method development, method validation, and matrix extension work, as determined by FERN NPO The Bureau of Food Laboratories desires to ensure the goal of ORA's cooperative agreement program is fulfilled, enabling the analyses of foods and food products in the event that laboratory surge capacity is needed by FERN and the FDA for analyses related to microbiological contamination, either through intentional or unintentional means.
