DHS Is Calling For Companies And Researchers To Aid In Agriculture Defense
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Food safety is a growing concern, and the World Health Organization claims that nearly three-quarters of new infectious diseases are communicable between animals and humans.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has started accepting submissions to help the agency find ways to better protect the nation’s animal agriculture industry. DHS’ Science and Technology Directorate launched the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Think and Do Challenge on Wednesday. The facility, which is currently under construction in Manhattan, Kan., will contain a biocontainment lab which will allow scientists and researchers to study diseases that could cause harm to livestock or the public’s health. The facility is scheduled to open in seven years, according to DHS officials.
The directorate will award up to $100,000 to help develop or implement winning ideas that foster collaboration and innovation as well as enhance the facility’s ability to work with key stakeholders with a vested interest in food safety.
At the ASIS International 61st Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Anaheim, Calif., members of the ASIS Food Defense and Agriculture Security Council praised Homeland Security for launching the competition. The council seeks to work with Homeland Security officials and others in coordinating the industry’s voluntary security measures and regulatory procedures.
“We’re always excited to learn of new initiatives by the federal government to encourage and grow public-private partnerships,” said Bryan Fort, the council’s chairman.
Submissions to this prize competition shall include a written business plan that must clearly articulate an understanding of the solution and its impact in providing high-value, creative and specialized collaboration, innovation, talent or training to the innovation ecosystem.
The open period for submissions is from September 30 to November 30, 2015, DHS said.
