Identify and Evaluate Potential Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) RFA-TS-26-165

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR), has forecasted a funding opportunity to investigate risk factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This initiative falls under the program "Innovations in Applied Public Health Research" (Assistance Listing 93.061) and is structured as a cooperative agreement. The forecast, listed under opportunity number RFA-TS-26-165, aims to support up to three awards and offers a total estimated program funding of $7,500,000, with individual awards capped at $500,000. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance understanding of the potential causes and risk factors of ALS, a debilitating neurodegenerative disease. The CDC encourages a range of scientific inquiries that target both well-established and emerging hypotheses. Four funding options are outlined: Option A supports projects with strong existing evidence such as replication studies and improved methodologies in known risk areas like genetic or environmental exposure. Option B targets exploratory studies involving novel or minimally researched potential ALS risk factors using innovative scientific methods. Option C is focused on understanding disease risk within specific populations, particularly military veterans, through targeted studies. Option D seeks detailed biological and epidemiological analysis of samples from the well-documented ALS cluster in Guam, with attention to mechanisms, exposures, and biomarkers. Applicants may include a wide range of organizations such as state, local, and tribal governments; for-profit and nonprofit institutions (including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)); public and private institutions of higher education; and other eligible entities including independent school districts and public housing authorities. Final eligibility specifications will be detailed in the forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The forecast indicates that applications will be accepted electronically, with submissions due no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1, 2025. The estimated posting date of the full NOFO is September 29, 2025, and selected projects are expected to begin by September 30, 2026, following awards issued on or around August 28, 2026. The funding does not require cost-sharing or matching. There is no indication of a required pre-application or Letter of Intent phase at this time. Because this is a forecasted opportunity, prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor grants.gov for updates and publication of the full NOFO. Key contact information is available for technical and program-related inquiries: Dr. Candis Hunter can be reached at 770-488-1347 or by email at ncipc_erpo@cdc.gov. This opportunity is currently in the forecasting stage, and thus is not open for application at the time of this notice. The estimated timeline and scope suggest that early engagement with CDC contacts may be beneficial for organizations considering a submission.