CDC issues multi-component NOFO to bolster infectious-disease preparedness; applications due July 1, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on a public webinar outlined a multi-component Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease threats.

Raven Bradley, a public health analyst in CDC’s Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit, told attendees that "All applicants must apply for Component 1, which is the required infrastructure component, along with at least one additional component." The NOFO allows organizations to submit a single integrated application that includes work plans and budgets for multiple components, but it requires a separate work plan and budget for each component included.

Why it matters: The NOFO funds staffing, systems and operational capacity that public-health organizations say are essential to sustain programmatic work and to scale responses during outbreaks. CDC expects awards by Aug. 31, 2026, and a projected start date of Sept. 30, 2026, and urged applicants to confirm SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations early.

Key provisions: Component 1 is mandatory and intended to support foundational personnel and administrative functions. Components 2, 3 and 4 are optional programmatic scopes: Component 2 addresses emerging and re-emerging pathogens; Component 3 focuses on antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections; Component 4 supports outbreak and emergency response activities and may place some applicants on an approved-but-unfunded roster for future activation.

Application logistics: The panel reiterated that estimated funding figures presented in slides are illustrative and should not be treated as strict ceilings or floors except where noted; Component 1 estimates were described as a baseline floor for infrastructure planning. Applicants applying for multiple components must submit separate budgets/work plans for each component. The webinar presenters indicated applications are due July 1, 2026; awards are anticipated by Aug. 31, 2026; and the projected start date is Sept. 30, 2026.

Next steps: The panel said the webinar recording and a written FAQ will be posted to Grants.gov and the NOFO page; programmatic questions should be sent to the program mailbox listed in the NOFO. The panel encouraged applicants to review the full NOFO for the complete eligibility list and noted that applying organizations must avoid duplicating work funded under other mechanisms.

The CDC closed the session by reminding attendees to verify registrations early and watch for the posted FAQs and recording.