Enhancing global laboratory systems to safely manage biological risks, deploy diagnostics, and sequence pathogens to improve capacities for global health threat response and detection

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has issued a forecasted funding opportunity titled "Enhancing global laboratory systems to safely manage biological risks, deploy diagnostics, and sequence pathogens to improve capacities for global health threat response and detection." This initiative aligns with the CDC’s broader mission to protect and improve public health on a global scale. With funding provided under Assistance Listing 93.318, the CDC seeks to support international and domestic efforts aimed at bolstering laboratory systems that are foundational to detecting, responding to, and mitigating public health emergencies involving infectious diseases. This funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, which means the CDC will maintain substantial involvement with recipients throughout the project period. The opportunity focuses on multiple interrelated objectives. These include strengthening public health laboratory infrastructure, improving the competencies of the laboratory workforce, advancing biorisk management practices, and enhancing preparedness for emergencies—particularly in accordance with the “7-1-7” outbreak response paradigm. Moreover, the program will support the implementation and maintenance of laboratory quality management systems, as well as the deployment of rapid diagnostic tests and genomic sequencing tools, especially in low-resource settings and for pathogens with high pandemic potential. A notable component of this opportunity is its emphasis on expanding the reach and impact of existing programs. Organizations that were previously funded under CDC-RFA-GH20-2109 are encouraged to apply to broaden their activities into new countries. Special consideration will be given to these applications, suggesting a continuity and expansion strategy that builds on past investments and capacities. The estimated total funding available under this opportunity is $25 million, with approximately three awards expected. While award ceilings and floors are not explicitly stated in the source material, the magnitude of the total funding implies potentially large-scale multi-country programs. No cost-sharing or matching requirements are imposed, which broadens access for applicants across sectors. Eligible applicants include a wide array of entities: state, local, tribal, and territorial governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit and for-profit organizations; housing authorities; and small businesses. This expansive eligibility scope reflects the global and collaborative nature of the program. The application process will be fully electronic, and applications must be submitted via Grants.gov no later than 11:59 PM ET on June 25, 2026. The anticipated post date is April 24, 2026, with an estimated award date of August 31, 2026, and project start date of September 30, 2026. Contact for this opportunity is Broderick Yoerg, who may be reached at 404-234-0666 or via email at [email protected]. As of the current date, the opportunity is in the forecasted stage, and applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance. While no pre-application materials such as a Letter of Intent are required, the breadth and depth of the project goals suggest that comprehensive proposals will be expected. Given the CDC’s ongoing emphasis on preparedness and response capabilities, particularly in the wake of recent global health emergencies, applicants should align their strategies with established CDC frameworks and global health security objectives. Recipients will be expected to coordinate closely with CDC program officers throughout the award lifecycle to ensure alignment with technical and programmatic priorities.