Enhancing global laboratory systems to safely manage biological risks, deploy diagnostics, and sequence pathogens to improve capacities for global health threat response and detection
Can you apply?
This grant is for international organizations, research institutions, and nonprofits strengthening laboratory biosafety and diagnostic capacity globally. Applicants must demonstrate partnerships with ministries of health and ability to implement in low- and middle-income countries. Priority goes to organizations addressing gaps in pathogen detection, genomic sequencing, and biosafety practices.
Work must support countries lacking adequate laboratory infrastructure. Activities include staff training, equipment procurement, and diagnostic protocol development. Organizations must show commitment to WHO laboratory biosafety standards and sustainable capacity building.
Key dates
- Aug 22, 2025 Applications open
- Jun 25, 2026 Application deadline in 24 days
- Aug 31, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2026 Project start
This grant is for international organizations, research institutions, and nonprofits strengthening laboratory biosafety and diagnostic capacity globally. Applicants must demonstrate partnerships with ministries of health and ability to implement in low- and middle-income countries. Priority goes to organizations addressing gaps in pathogen detection, genomic sequencing, and biosafety practices.
Work must support countries lacking adequate laboratory infrastructure. Activities include staff training, equipment procurement, and diagnostic protocol development. Organizations must show commitment to WHO laboratory biosafety standards and sustainable capacity building.
Program description
Activities under this NOFO will focus on protecting and improving public health globally by: 1) strengthening public health laboratory systems; 2) improving public health laboratory workforce; 3) improving bio risk management; 4) reinforcing emergency laboratory preparedness in alignment with 7-1-7 outbreak response paradigm; 5) enhancing laboratory quality management systems and; 6) enhancing diagnostic capacity via rapid tests for low resource settings and genomic sequencing for pathogens of pandemic potential. Additionally, laboratory recipients previously funded under CDC-RFA-GH20-2109 may apply to expand efforts in additional countries with special consideration given to those countries.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Faith-based Organization
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for international organizations, research institutions, and nonprofits strengthening laboratory biosafety and diagnostic capacity globally. Applicants must demonstrate partnerships with ministries of health and ability to implement in low- and middle-income countries. Priority goes to organizations addressing gaps in pathogen detection, genomic sequencing, and biosafety practices.
Work must support countries lacking adequate laboratory infrastructure. Activities include staff training, equipment procurement, and diagnostic protocol development. Organizations must show commitment to WHO laboratory biosafety standards and sustainable capacity building.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 Federal Application Form
- Project Narrative (program description, objectives, methods)
- Budget Narrative and SF-424A Budget Form
- Letters of Support from host country ministries of health
- Organizational capacity documentation and résumés of key personnel
- Biosafety gap analysis for target countries
- Sustainability and exit strategy plan
Program contact
- 👤 Broderick Yoerg
- 📧 DGHPNOFOs@cdc.gov
- 📞 404.234.0666
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.318 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$77,588,113
-
$54,816,169
-
$36,307,501
-
$29,208,608
-
$28,751,856
-
$26,707,836
-
$25,214,479
-
$24,026,702
-
$23,514,463
-
$22,698,862
Top States by Funding
- DC 7 awards $81.4M
- MD 4 awards $62.9M
- NC 3 awards $52.4M
- GA 3 awards $51.0M
- VA 3 awards $32.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.318). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $200,769,088 | |
| 2025 | $202,608,088 | |
| 2026 est. | $234,746,685 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
International NGOs, universities, research centers, and faith-based organizations with demonstrated capacity in laboratory systems. Applicants must have country partnerships and technical expertise in biosafety or diagnostics.
What geographic focus is expected?
The grant prioritizes low- and middle-income countries and regions with weak laboratory infrastructure. Applicants should focus on sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, or regions identified as priority for pandemic preparedness.
What types of activities are funded?
Laboratory biosafety upgrades, training programs, diagnostic equipment, pathogen sequencing infrastructure, and workforce development. Capacity building and sustainability planning are essential components.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. CDC prioritizes organizations with proven track records in global health infrastructure and government partnerships. Strong technical proposals with clear outcome metrics stand out.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards vary widely based on scope and geography. Multi-country programs typically range from several hundred thousand to several million dollars.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize partnerships with host country ministries of health and local institutions. CDC strongly prefers applicants embedded in country systems.
- Include detailed biosafety assessments and gap analyses for target countries. Show exactly what laboratory capacity is missing.
- Propose sustainable funding models beyond the grant period. Demonstrating how improvements will be maintained matters.
- Build in outcome metrics tied to pathogen detection rates, sequencing turnaround times, and staff certification. Measurable results win funding.
- Plan for staff retention and ongoing technical support. High-quality training is only valuable if people stay in position.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak country partnerships or lack of government endorsement. Applications without clear ministry of health letters of support rarely succeed. Vague sustainability plans. CDC funds capacity, not one-time projects, so unclear plans for maintaining systems after funding ends fail. Underestimating biosafety compliance costs. Realistic budgets accounting for equipment, certifications, and ongoing training are essential.
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