Controlling and Preventing STIs in US Health Departments (CAP-STIs)

The Controlling and Preventing STIs in US Health Departments (CAP-STIs) funding opportunity is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is designed to support public health infrastructure across the United States by strengthening efforts to monitor, prevent, and control sexually transmitted infections. The CDC, through its National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, plays a central role in coordinating national disease surveillance and prevention strategies. This funding opportunity aligns with broader federal public health priorities and supports implementation of the national strategic plan for sexually transmitted infections. The primary purpose of this program is to reduce the incidence and impact of three major sexually transmitted infections: syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The initiative focuses on improving surveillance systems, expanding prevention services, accelerating adoption of new technologies, and addressing disparities in populations disproportionately affected by STIs. Programs funded under this opportunity are expected to contribute to improved health outcomes by targeting high-risk populations and integrating services that address co-occurring health conditions and social determinants of health. Funding is distributed through a cooperative agreement mechanism, allowing for substantial involvement from the CDC in program implementation. The total estimated program funding is $500,000,000, with approximately 59 awards expected. Funds are intended to support a wide range of activities including data collection and analysis, outreach, prevention programming, testing initiatives, and collaboration with community partners. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity, reducing financial barriers for eligible applicants. Eligibility is limited to governmental public health entities, including all fifty U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The CDC intends to fund these jurisdictions non-competitively based on a formula that considers population size and STI morbidity rates. In addition, certain large cities may compete for direct funding if they meet specific criteria related to disease burden, population thresholds, and surveillance capacity. Cities must demonstrate coordination with their respective state health authorities and provide supporting data and documentation as part of the application. The application process will be conducted electronically, with submissions required through appropriate federal grant systems. Applicants must prepare documentation demonstrating their capacity to conduct STI surveillance, implement prevention strategies, and collaborate with relevant partners. For cities applying competitively, additional documentation such as surveillance summaries and coordination agreements with state authorities is required. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including population need, organizational capacity, and ability to meet program objectives. The opportunity is currently in a forecasted stage, with an estimated posting date of June 30, 2026, and an application deadline of August 29, 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by February 1, 2027, with project activities beginning on the same date. This program reflects an ongoing federal commitment to STI prevention and control, and while recurrence is not explicitly stated, it builds upon previous funding cycles, indicating a continuing investment in public health infrastructure and disease prevention nationwide.

Focus on demonstrating strong surveillance capacity and collaboration with partners especially for disproportionately impacted populations