POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM

SSbD bio-based alternatives for fertilising and/or crop protection products is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, Farm to Fork Strategy, the Horizon Europe Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, in particular the objectives: ‘Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration’, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan as well as the Clean Industrial Deal. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Full industrial scale biorefinery and related value chain(s) for the sustainable production of bio-based fertilisers and/or crop protection solutions. Increased availability of cost-competitive and SSbD bio-based alternatives for fertilising and/or crop protection products with suitable agronomic efficacy. Reduced reliance on synthetic/mineral agricultural chemical products. Increased EU strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness through a robust cooperation among bio-based industries and farmers. Increased soil health, including minimising accumulation of microplastics and pollutants in soil and water, with positive effects on quality, security and resilience of food production in agriculture. Scope: FAO estimates that up to 40% of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases globally every year. [1] Chemical synthetic products are conventionally used to protect crops and other plants from pests and diseases. In parallel, the EU is largely dependent on imports of both mineral and chemical fertilisers to grow crops. In both cases, over-use of synthetic/mineral products also poses concern for soil health and food quality. Moreover, the unequal distribution and depletion of non-renewable sources risks disrupting supply chains, particularly during energy crises. SSbD bio-based fertilising and crop protection products can offer more resilient and sustainable solutions creating an added-value partnership between agriculture and industry both upstream (for feedstock supply) and downstream (for the use of sustainable and efficient bio-based products). However, when scaling-up, challenges need to be solved in terms of process efficiency and robustness against feedstock variability, formulations stability and efficacy on the field (also in consideration of climate change effects and different soil conditions), and cost competitiveness. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at TRL 8) the efficient industrial production of SSbD bio-based solutions as alternatives to current fertilising and/or crop protection products. Bioactive molecules and/or biotechnology solutions for bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants and/or pest/disease control (e.g., bioherbicides, biopesticides, bioinsecticides), or a combination thereof, are in scope. Products in scope can be applicable at any crop(s) cycle stage. Validate (at TRL 6 and above) at scale the produced bio-alternatives into the formulation of end-product(s) and test their agronomic efficiency, safety and sustainability to prove the achievement of similar or improved properties compared to defined benchmarks available in the market (synthetic and/or mineral). In case of bio-based fertilisers, put in place a solid production validation procedure to ensure reduced nutrient variability of the N/P/K content in end-products. Test the developed product(s) with primary producers on the field (demo farms) for selected crops and monitor their effects on soil health and quality, as well as on water. Cover different climatic and soil conditions, taking into account different farming systems, including organic agriculture. If controlled release mechanisms are employed, the proposed innovations should avoid microplastics accumulation in soil. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [2] , proposals under this topic should: As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure adequate involvement of all key actors in the value chains relevant for this topic and across the sustainable cir Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Agricultural biotechnology, Agriculture related to crop production, soil biology and cultivation, applied plant biology, Agronomy, Fertilisation, agricultural biotechnology, bio-based crop protection solutions, bio-based fertilisers, bioactive molecules, biorefineries, farming systems, safe and sustainable by design, STEP-Biotech

Emergency Medical Services Technical Assistance (EMS TA) Solicitation for Proposals (SFP) for Program Year 2026 (PY 26-27) is sponsored by Employment Development Department. The EMS TA grant is designed to strengthen the quality, consistency, and sustainability of existing EMS Corps programs across California. The awardee must possess the capability to provide technical assistance such as operational support, on-the-ground project support, ongoing training, including technical assistance, and administrative support for program awardees under EMS Corps and Program grants. The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1.5 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s Discretionary funds for the Emergency Medical Services Technical Assistance (EMS TA) Program Year 2026-27 (PY 26-27) Solicitation for Proposals (SFP). The EMS TA PY 26-27 grant supports the continued implementation, improvement, and long-term sustainability of established EMS Corps programs across California. The PY 26–27 grant is designed to strengthen existing programs by ensuring fidelity to the EMS Corps model, improving participant outcomes, and supporting consistent statewide quality. EMS Corps sites vary in their operational maturity, adherence to the EMS Corps model, and ability to deliver strong employment pathways for participants. Some programs demonstrate high alignment with the model and are positioned for continued investment, while others require deeper technical assistance due to inconsistent implementation, structural challenges, or limited job placement outcomes. Under this grant, the awarded TA provider will assess each EMS Corps site’s program fidelity, operational capacity, participant outcomes, and alignment with the local job market. This assessment will inform recommendations regarding which sites should receive additional funding for continued implementation and which require remediation or alternative support strategies. The TA provider will also deliver hands-on technical assistance, support federal compliance (including WIOA requirements), facilitate statewide coordination, strengthen partnerships with EMS and healthcare employers, and support each site’s efforts to provide high-quality training and employment opportunities for participants. Applicants must have the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver the necessary TA to PY 26-27 EMS Program grantees and coordinate COPs across the state. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience working with public health agencies, in line with the EMS Corps model. There are no required leveraged resources for this project. However, applicants are encouraged to leverage human capital and utilize other resources to maximize the project's success. Proposals will be accepted from Community Colleges, Institutions of Higher Education, Adult Education Providers, Education and Training Providers, Community-based Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Labor Organizations, and Workforce Intermediaries. Proposals must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT on October 27, 2026. An informational webinar will be held on September 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT. Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by September 29, 2026 at 9 a.m. PT: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kovWpmB1Tniff1134w7lGw. The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by October 2, 2026, at noon PT to WSBSFP3@edd.ca.gov. To view the SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage.