Increasing awareness and knowledge of Alpha-gal Syndrome in the United States

The Increasing awareness and knowledge of Alpha-gal Syndrome in the United States funding opportunity is offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases and the Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch. This federal initiative is designed to address a growing public health concern related to alpha-gal syndrome, an emerging tick-borne condition that causes allergic reactions to mammalian meat and related products. As outlined in the NOFO document, the CDC seeks to strengthen national understanding of this condition through coordinated public health efforts, improved surveillance, and enhanced communication strategies. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to increase awareness, improve patient outcomes, and expand the evidence base surrounding alpha-gal syndrome. The program emphasizes three strategic approaches: sharing knowledge through professional networks, tracking the disease through enhanced surveillance systems, and educating both the public and healthcare providers. Activities may include forming national or regional networks of researchers and practitioners, conducting surveillance in high-risk or underserved populations, and developing educational materials tailored to specific audiences such as outdoor workers, healthcare providers, and the general public. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, indicating substantial CDC involvement in program implementation. The total program funding is expected to reach up to 25,000,000 dollars over a five-year period, with individual awards ranging from 25,000 to 1,000,000 dollars per year. Applicants should plan for approximately 400,000 dollars annually for budgeting purposes. Funds may be used for programmatic activities aligned with surveillance, education, and collaboration efforts, but may not be used for research, clinical care beyond allowable limits, or lobbying activities. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the financial barrier for applicants. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, and small businesses. Faith-based organizations and tribal entities are also eligible. Applicants must ensure compliance with all eligibility criteria and submit only one application per Unique Entity Identifier. Additionally, applicants must not propose research activities, as this program is strictly focused on public health practice and implementation. The application process requires registration in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov, which may take several weeks and should be initiated early. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by June 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. An optional letter of intent is requested by June 7, 2026 to assist with review planning. Required application components include a project summary, a detailed project narrative of up to 20 pages, a budget narrative, and supporting attachments such as organizational charts and resumes. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including background, strategy alignment, outcomes, work plan quality, evaluation approach, and organizational capacity. The review process involves an initial screening for responsiveness followed by a merit-based evaluation by a review panel. Final funding decisions consider not only application scores but also geographic distribution, population impact, and alignment with CDC priorities. Awards are expected to be announced by August 31, 2026, with a project start date of September 30, 2026. The period of performance is five years, divided into annual budget periods, with continued funding contingent on performance and availability of funds. Recipients will be required to comply with extensive reporting and evaluation requirements, including annual performance reports, financial reports, and a detailed evaluation and performance measurement plan submitted within six months of award. CDC will provide ongoing technical assistance and oversight throughout the project period. This opportunity is expected to be a one-time solicitation with no explicit indication of recurring cycles, though future funding may depend on emerging public health needs and available appropriations.

Ensure strong alignment with CDC strategies Share Educate and Track; develop a detailed work plan tied to measurable outcomes; include a clear evaluation and data management plan; demonstrate organizational capacity and partnerships