2019 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ELC)

The 2019 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ELC) cooperative agreement, CDC-RFA-CK19-1904, is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically through its National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. This funding opportunity builds upon the original ELC program launched in 1995 and reflects CDC's continued commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure across states, local jurisdictions, and territories. The goal is to provide core and programmatic support that enhances the capacity of public health departments to detect, respond to, prevent, and control both known and emerging infectious disease threats. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support state, local, and territorial public health departments in building and sustaining strong epidemiological and laboratory capacities. The cooperative agreement supports activities in surveillance, detection, response, prevention, and health information systems. Funding can be used to strengthen cross-cutting infrastructure and also to address specific disease areas including healthcare-associated infections, vector-borne diseases, and foodborne illnesses. Additionally, recipients may work on specialized projects such as fungal disease detection, rabies surveillance, influenza diagnostics, and border health. The program offers up to $1.5 billion in funding over a five-year performance period, with an average annual award of approximately $3.1 million. A total of 64 awards are anticipated. Funding is structured into multiple components including cross-cutting capacities, emerging infectious disease programs, and disease-specific projects. There is no required cost match; however, leveraging additional resources is strongly encouraged to support sustainability. Only currently funded ELC jurisdictions under the prior CK14-1401 agreement are eligible to apply. These include all U.S. states, six major city health departments (Chicago, DC, Houston, Los Angeles County, New York City, and Philadelphia), and U.S. territories and affiliates such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong organizational capacity and maintain an active ELC Governance Team that includes leadership in epidemiology, laboratories, and health information systems. Applications were due by May 17, 2019, and the estimated award date was August 1, 2019. Direct Assistance (DA) may be requested but is limited and subject to CDC approval. Application submission was through Grants.gov, and the announcement advised early registration and compliance with required federal systems such as DUNS, SAM, and Grants.gov accounts. While a Letter of Intent was not required, an informational call was held approximately two weeks after posting, tentatively scheduled for March 21, 2019. Key evaluation criteria included the applicant's approach, evaluation and performance measurement plans, organizational capacity, and alignment with the CDC's overall strategy and specific program goals. Awardees are expected to report on performance measures, submit work plans, and participate in post-award monitoring. Questions regarding programmatic details could be directed to Angelica O’Connor, Project Officer (AMOConnor@cdc.gov, 404-639-7379), while grants management inquiries were handled by Shirley Byrd (SKByrd@cdc.gov, 770-488-2591).

Applicants were advised to use the ELC Governance Team structure and tie activities to measurable outcomes.