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Jim Parochetti provided information about the possible Role of IR4 within the Pest Management
Centers. IR4 is anxious to work with centers. They have prioritization of chemicals that need work as
well as some efficacy data. The Program management committee wants to meet with the Center
Directors at their next meeting that is in late February in Washington, DC.
Robin Heuttle, CSREES, suggested that the CAR, RAMP and Methyl bromide programs should all
coordinate with Centers.
Regional directors were asked to provide an update of the status of their center. Norm Nesheim with the
Southern region said that their RFP is out now and online. Because Texas A&M manages the 406 water
quality program and they have only asked for 4% overhead there is some pressure at the University of
Florida to reduce the overhead percentage. John Ayers with the Northeast region said their RFP is
currently online for steering committee comment. Prior to asking for their steering committee
comments they provided a draft online for public comments. Looking for a due date of December 1.
They are encouraging multi-state coalitions. Larry Olsen with the North Central has already sent out the
RFP and expects to review the proposals in December. He has put together a notebook for the steering
committee as an orientation. They are concerned about conflicting expectations of the Pest Management
Centers. This topic was discussed. It was felt that a consistent and realistic message needs to be
developed. Rick Melnicoe with the Western region said that his RFP has been sent out and proposals
are due November 10 with the review set up for December 1. They are hoping to get the funded projects
forwarded to USDA before Christmas for their review. The western region had their first WRPMC
Steering Committee meeting last August with eight members present. The committee will be expanded
to about 15 members with additional recommendations provided by the current steering committee. The
Associate Dean at UCD will be sending letter out inviting people to be a part of the California Pest
Management (CAPMC) Advisory committee. The western region put out its own version of a press
release.
Ron Stinner who has been awarded $100,000 will provide a national web site and other informational
needs that will be determined by a workgroup comprised of on representative from each regional pest
management center. Members of this workgroup are Linda Herbst, Lynnae Jess, Russ Mizell and Jim
VanKirk. It was suggested that Directors take the "what do you need from the information center"
question back to their regions and report back at the next national meeting in February.
Larry presented a list of questions concerning the regional proposal review process. Lively discussion
followed. Not all regions have determined the makeup of their proposal review teams. The Northeast
Center and Western Center will have members of their steering committee review the proposals.
Concerns were expressed regarding conflicts of interest. No general resolutions were reached about
how each region will deal with this issue but it was agreed that all regions would be taking steps to
insure that it will not be an issue.
Funding classification of the newly formed Pest Management Centers was discussed. These Centers
grants are not under the Federal Demonstration Program, are not Extension funds and they are not
classified as research funds. Dennis was asked to provide a letter identifying the source of funds so the
respective university contract and grants offices will be able to classify the grants appropriately. It was
also made clear that since this is not classified as a research program no CRIS reports will be required.
Lengthy discussion occurred about the possibility of changing the name of the Pest Management
Centers. Consensus was reached that recognition with the current name has already begun and it was
felt there were no benefits to changing the name at this time.