Establishing ifpti as the integrated food safety system (IFSS) regulatory and laboratory training system (RLTS) national coordination center (NCC) and learning management system (LMS) - RFA-FD-25-005

The Food and Drug Administration awarded a $4,490,616 Cooperative Agreement to the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) on September 20, 2025, under the Food and Drug Administration Research program (CFDA 93.103) to establish IFPTI as the Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS) Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (RLTS) National Coordination Center (NCC) and Learning Management System (LMS).

IFPTI will deliver training content standardization, design, and delivery across the IFSS through three primary aims. Aim 1 encompasses reviewing and standardizing mapping processes to national competency standards, collaborating with IFSS partners on training content development, maintaining the national competency standards, creating competency profiles and learning pathways, researching alternative competency demonstration methods, and addressing learner needs and accessibility. Aim 2 involves standing up and managing the NCC, establishing fee structures for sustainability, facilitating collaboration through the RLTS Steering Committee, conducting outreach and communication activities, recruiting training providers, and supporting operation of the national LMS. Aim 3 focuses on collaborating with IFSS stakeholders to ensure training effectiveness, consistency, and quality.

IFPTI, a tax-exempt nonprofit headquartered in Portage, Michigan, operates as the specialized training and education provider to FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs and has received three consecutive cooperative agreements from FDA prior to this award. Work is performed in Portage, MI 49002. The period of performance runs through August 31, 2028.

Abstract

The international food protection training institute (IFPTI) proposes to be established as the integrated food safety system (IFSS) regulatory and laboratory training system (RLTS) national coordination center (NCC) and learning management system (LMS). Given its longstanding history of collaboration with FDA (through three consecutive cooperative agreements) and its leadership role in designing and developing the human and animal food NCS and laboratory NCS, IFPTI is uniquely positioned to assume the role of the NCC to continue the implementation of the RLTS across the IFSS. The proposal comprises three primary aims, all of which comprise a series of sub-aims outlined in the research strategy. Aim #1 focuses on training content, design, and delivery, and will primarily involve reviewing and standardizing mapping processes and procedures to the NCS. Accomplishing aim #1 will require collaborating with IFSS partners and stakeholders on training content development; maintaining the NCS; creating competency profiles and learning pathways; researching alternative ways of demonstrating competency; and addressing learner needs and accessibility. Aim #2 focuses on management and maintenance, and will primarily involve managing and maintaining the IFSS RLTS and LMS. Accomplishing aim #2 will require standing up and managing the NCC; employing fee structures for sustainability; facilitating collaboration through supporting the RLTS steering committee; outreach and communication activities; training provider recruitment; and supporting the operation of the national LMS. Aim #3 focuses on collaboration and consistency, and will primarily involve collaborating with IFSS stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness, consistency, and quality of training. Accomplishing aim #3 will require assuring the quality of learning resources; implementing the RLTS quality assurance system (score process); instructor management activities; data collection activities to allow for continuous improvement; and a wide range of evaluation activities.