Tuberculosis Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement

The CDC's "Tuberculosis Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement" (FOA number CDC-RFA-PS-25-0003) aims to support state, local, and territorial TB programs in preventing, controlling, and eventually eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in the United States. This grant is administered by the CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention and is intended to fund various activities that address TB control and laboratory support needs. The focus is on reducing TB morbidity and mortality, preventing transmission, and stopping the progression from latent TB infection (LTBI) to active TB disease. The funding supports several core activities including the diagnosis and treatment of TB and LTBI, examination and treatment of high-risk populations (such as immigrants, refugees, and individuals with immunosuppressive conditions), contact investigations, laboratory strengthening, and enhancing epidemiologic surveillance and program improvement initiatives. The cooperative agreement also seeks to bolster state and local health departments through public health laboratory enhancement and human resource development to build training and expertise in TB prevention and treatment. Eligibility for this funding includes state, county, and city governments, and potentially other government organizations, such as territorial governments, and bona fide agents like the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a public health infrastructure capable of managing TB surveillance, disease investigation, and laboratory testing. The funding is structured around a five-year cooperative agreement period, with estimated awards covering 57 different recipients, focusing on geographic regions with the highest TB burdens. The funding amount for each award is determined by a formula based on TB incidence, case complexity, program performance, and laboratory workload data. There is no requirement for cost-sharing, but leveraging additional resources is encouraged to promote the sustainability of funded activities. Eligible recipients are expected to utilize the funding for a variety of activities including human resource training, laboratory support for testing TB samples, drug susceptibility, and supporting TB programs to conduct effective case management and prevention activities. The proposal submission process involves multiple stages, including a letter of intent and a detailed application, both of which must be submitted via Grants.gov. There is also an informational webinar available for applicants to better understand the application requirements. A detailed work plan is required for the first year, and each applicant must submit specific documentation on their public health infrastructure and a TB prevention and control elimination plan. The review process is comprehensive, involving assessments of the proposed activities, organizational capacity, and evaluation plans to ensure that the funds effectively contribute to the elimination of TB.