• Biotechnology (BRS)
 /  
• Program Overview

BRS Programs and Functions

Office of the Deputy Administrator
The Office of the Deputy Administrator provides leadership and direction for biotechnology regulatory activities in APHIS, overseeing each program within BRS.

Biotechnology Risk Analysis Programs
The Biotechnology Risk Analysis Programs (BRAP) include the Plants Branch and the Plant Pests and Protectants Branch. Together, these branches address potential plant pest risk and environmental impacts of genetically engineered organisms on the human environment by conducting risk assessments of these products. BRAP has experts in scientific fields (e.g., plant pathology, botany, animal science, entomology, virology, ecology, environmental science, molecular biology, and biochemistry) who review permit applications, petitions for deregulation, potential permit infractions, and proposed regulatory changes.

Regulatory Operations Programs 
The Regulatory Operations Programs include five branches, the Compliance Assistance Branch, the Eastern Region Compliance Assurance Branch, the Western Region Compliance Assurance Branch, the Compliance Evaluation and Enforcement Branch, and the Permits and Program Services Branch. Collectively, these branches manage the administrative portion of notification acknowledgement and permit issuance for introductions of genetically engineered organisms; direct compliance inspections; respond to noncompliance incidents; and maintain records of notifications and permits, which can include field reports and compliance inspections.

Resource Management Programs
Resource Management Programs (RMP) is responsible for working directly with the Deputy Administrator's office to provide leadership on all administrative functions in planning and implementing Agency objectives as they pertain to human capital, financial, and information resource management. RMP includes the Technical Services Branch and the Resource Support Services Branch, which collectively manage the development, implementation execution of administrative management systems covering strategic planning, budget, fiscal planning and execution, information technology, training and employee development, personnel, administrative services, and reporting.

Policy, Program, and International Collaboration

The Policy, Program, and International Collaboration (PPIC) group conducts legal and policy analysis; guides the policy development; manages a compliance assistance program; and assists program units to implement quality management principle and practices. PPIC is the point of contact for BRS international issues and program activities. The group collaborates within APHIS and across the U.S. government to support and enhance plant health protection and trade missions.