Enhancing global laboratory systems to safely manage biological risks, deploy diagnostics and sequence pathogens to strengthen health protection worldwide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has forecasted a cooperative agreement opportunity titled “Enhancing global laboratory systems to safely manage biological risks, deploy diagnostics and sequence pathogens to strengthen health protection worldwide.” This grant, numbered CDC-RFA-JG-26-0058, is a strategic component of the CDC’s broader commitment to global health security, as evidenced by its alignment with Assistance Listing 93.318, which focuses on building and strengthening public health systems, capacity, and security worldwide. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to bolster public health capabilities internationally through a multifaceted approach aimed at reinforcing laboratory systems. Activities supported by this grant will include enhancing the safety and effectiveness of biological risk management, improving public health laboratory workforce capacities, and expanding diagnostic readiness. Notably, the program is structured to assist recipient organizations in adopting emergency laboratory preparedness frameworks consistent with the 7-1-7 outbreak response paradigm. This model underscores the importance of timely detection, notification, and response to infectious disease outbreaks within seven days, one day, and seven days respectively. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on enhancing diagnostic capabilities, particularly for resource-limited settings, by deploying rapid tests and expanding genomic sequencing capacity for pathogens with pandemic potential. The cooperative agreement anticipates funding up to three recipients, with a projected total program funding of $25,000,000. Although specific per-award ceilings and floors are not defined in the forecast, funding allocations will likely vary depending on the proposed scope of work and country-specific considerations. Of particular interest are current or former recipients under the CDC-RFA-GH20-2109 initiative, who are encouraged to apply to extend their laboratory-strengthening efforts into additional countries. These applicants will receive special consideration, furthering the continuity and scalability of previously funded programs. Eligibility for this funding is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide array of entities such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit entities including small businesses, tribal organizations, housing authorities, school districts, and special district governments. This diverse eligibility pool reflects the CDC’s recognition of the varied expertise and infrastructure needed to operationalize global public health strategies effectively. Applications for this opportunity are expected to open on March 2, 2026, with the final submission deadline slated for May 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated award date is August 31, 2026, and projects are scheduled to commence on September 30, 2026. No cost-sharing or matching contributions are required for this funding opportunity. Submissions will be managed electronically via Grants.gov, and applicants are expected to comply with all standard requirements and documentation typical of CDC cooperative agreements. For further information, applicants may contact Broderick Yoerg at 404.234.0666 or via email at DGHPNOFOs@cdc.gov. As this is a forecasted opportunity, potential applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and CDC funding pages for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) release to obtain additional submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and technical guidance.