FDA's CFSAN Faces Space Shortage, Unexpected Growth in Staff

Strategic Insights -

The US FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) is struggling with a space shortage due to unexpected growth in staff. The new College Park, Md., facility will be smaller than the existing C Street building, requiring around 170 offices and labs to be housed in nearby rented buildings. The agency's growth has been significant, with 51 new full-time employees in the Office of Premarket Approval and 27 new hires for the Food Safety Initiative in 2000 alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new College Park facility will be smaller than the existing C Street building, necessitating the rental of additional space to accommodate around 170 offices and labs.
  • The CFSAN experienced significant growth in staff, with 51 new full-time employees in the Office of Premarket Approval and 27 new hires for the Food Safety Initiative in 2000.
  • The agency's growth was unexpected, with planning for the new building starting around 1996, but the staff increases did not become apparent until 1998 and 1999.
  • The FDA is not considering adding another wing to the building due to lack of funds, and there is no plan to initiate new construction or request additional funds from Congress.
  • The total cost of the project is expected to be around $84 million, with the administration requesting $5 million to cover one-time costs associated with moving into and wiring the College Park building.
  • The new facility will include state-of-the-art laboratories, a food service area, and an auditorium, and will increase interaction between FDA and the University of Maryland.

Statistics:

  • 170 offices and labs will need to be housed in nearby rented buildings due to the space shortage.
  • 51 new full-time employees were added to the Office of Premarket Approval in 2000.
  • 27 new hires occurred for the Food Safety Initiative in 2000.
  • The total cost of the project is expected to be around $84 million.
  • The administration is requesting $5 million to cover one-time costs associated with moving into and wiring the College Park building.

Sources:

  • An FDA source.
  • A National Treasury Employees Union source.
  • The FDA Revitalization Act of 1990.
  • The Government Services Administration (GSA).
  • The Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) was mentioned in FCN, March 6, Page 3, and May 22, Page 8.