Influenza Modeling and Forecasting 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under its National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), has released a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity titled "Influenza Modeling and Forecasting" with the opportunity number CDC-RFA-IP-26-0102. The CDC is the national public health agency of the United States and plays a central role in protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability. This opportunity supports the agency’s strategic initiative to enhance influenza preparedness and response through better predictive tools and communication channels. The primary objective of this grant is to establish a modeling and forecasting network that enhances CDC’s capacity to use influenza forecasting for situational awareness and strategic planning. The funded network will work to inform prevention and control efforts, including vaccination and antiviral distribution strategies, especially among populations disproportionately affected by influenza. This includes individuals and communities that have historically had lower access to vaccines and antivirals, which has contributed to increased morbidity and mortality. The funding will be distributed through cooperative agreements, allowing for a collaborative relationship between the CDC and the recipients. The total anticipated funding for the program is $14,750,000, with approximately seven awards expected. While both the award ceiling and floor have not been specified and are currently listed as zero, this likely represents incomplete forecast data rather than an actual zero-value funding cap. The assistance is authorized under CFDA number 93.185, which covers immunization research and related public education and clinical training. Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of public and private entities. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, institutions of higher education (both public and private), independent school districts, public housing authorities, special district governments, and various nonprofit and for-profit organizations, excluding small businesses. The notice confirms that cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity. As this is a forecasted opportunity, the grant is not yet accepting applications. The estimated post date is December 1, 2025, with applications due by February 2, 2026. All applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the due date. Awards are expected to be made by August 1, 2026, and projects are anticipated to start on September 1, 2026. The grant will remain visible until its archive date of September 1, 2026. Interested applicants should direct inquiries to Rebecca Borchering at the CDC, who can be reached at 404-639-5214 or via email at xkq2@cdc.gov. Additional details and updates will likely become available upon the publication of the full funding opportunity announcement in December 2025.