Influenza Modeling and Forecasting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) and its Influenza Division, is offering funding through a cooperative agreement titled the Network of Influenza Modeling and Forecasting Centers. This initiative is designed to strengthen the nation’s capacity to model and forecast influenza activity by building a coordinated network of research institutions. The CDC seeks to enhance situational awareness, improve prevention and control strategies, and advance scientific methodologies related to influenza forecasting, particularly in response to both seasonal epidemics and potential pandemics. The program is grounded in the significant public health burden posed by influenza in the United States, where seasonal outbreaks lead to substantial hospitalizations and deaths annually. The CDC has historically collaborated with academic and industry partners to improve forecasting accuracy and modeling approaches. However, evolving challenges, including changing respiratory virus dynamics and the emergence of advanced analytical tools such as artificial intelligence, necessitate a more robust and coordinated network. This funding opportunity aims to expand and formalize such collaboration by establishing multiple network sites that contribute to a unified research ecosystem. Funding will support the creation and operation of up to seven network sites, each led by a principal investigator and composed of multidisciplinary teams. Over a five-year performance period, with annual budget periods, recipients will collectively receive an estimated total of $16,625,000, with an average award of approximately $2,375,000 per recipient and about $475,000 per year. Funds are intended for activities such as model development, forecasting, data sharing, collaboration, and dissemination of findings. Certain restrictions apply, including limits on primary data collection costs and prohibitions on specific unallowable expenses such as lobbying or clinical care outside allowable bounds. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes governmental entities at various levels, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, tribal governments and organizations, and other public entities. Applicants must submit only one application per organization and are not required to provide matching funds, though voluntary cost sharing may be included without influencing review outcomes. Applicants must also demonstrate organizational capacity, technical expertise in influenza modeling or forecasting, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a national network. The application process requires registration with SAM.gov and Grants.gov, submission through Grants.gov, and adherence to a structured application package that includes a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting attachments such as resumes, letters of support, and a data management plan. Optional pre-application engagement includes an informational call and a letter of intent. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including scientific approach, feasibility, organizational capacity, and evaluation planning. Successful applicants will be selected through a competitive merit review process and risk assessment. Key dates for this opportunity include an optional letter of intent due on June 10, 2026, and a final application deadline of June 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by September 15, 2026, with project start dates around September 30, 2026. The program emphasizes ongoing collaboration, regular reporting, and adherence to CDC priorities, including evidence-based science, transparency, and public health impact. Through this initiative, the CDC aims to create a sustainable and high-impact network that enhances national preparedness and response to influenza threats.

Emphasize strong collaboration plans, demonstrate prior influenza modeling expertise, align with CDC priorities, and clearly define evaluation and data sharing strategies