CDC-RFA-IP-26-0102

Network of Influenza Modeling and

Forecasting Centers

Informational Call June 5, 2026

Program Contacts Rebecca Borchering (xhq2@cdc.gov) Matthew Biggerstaff (zmo2@cdc.gov)

Grants Management Contact Rhonda (Lisa) DeBouse (WZN5@cdc.gov) mailto:xhq2@cdc.gov mailto:zmo2@cdc.gov mailto:WZN5@cdc.gov

Real-Time Influenza Division (ID) Modeling and Forecasting

What kind of season will it be?

Will flu increase next week?

How much flu is there?

• ID maintains multiple systems that provide a comprehensive picture of flu activity

• ID has pioneered the development of robust modeling and forecasting tools over 15+ years that translate data into action through CDC staff and collaborations with funded and unfunded groups

• ID co-launched a CSTE workgroup in 2017 to facilitate the local use of tools and promote collaboration between public health and modeling

Influenza Division Modeling Team Activities

• Integrating advanced analytics and mathematical modeling results into the response to seasonal, novel, and pandemic influenza

• Leading, evaluating, and communicating influenza epidemic forecasting

• Characterizing influenza disease burden and burden prevented by vaccination

• Assessing epidemic and pandemic severity

• Characterizing respiratory virus transmission in the population and households

Background and Purpose

• The purpose of this NOFO is to grow a network of researchers that improves CDC’s use of influenza modeling and forecasting to:

• Provide situational awareness.

• Inform the prevention and control of influenza.

• Advance the science of influenza forecasting and modeling.

• Increase communication of related results with key partners, including state, local, and non-governmental partners.

• Expected awards: Up to 7

• Period of performance: Five years in 12-month budget periods

• Each recipient is eligible to receive up to $475,000 per budget period

The number of awards is subject to available funds and program priorities.

Strategies Strategy Description Required

(Yes/No)

1 Establish and operate a network site Yes

2 Collaborate across the network Yes

3 Document scientific findings Yes

4 Inform prevention and control strategies with modeling Yes*

5 Produce seasonal forecasts to improve preparedness and response

Yes*

6 Synthesize collaborative modeling and forecasting results

No

7 Communicate modeling and forecasting results No

8 Extend seasonal influenza modeling or forecasting to novel applications, including pandemic influenza

No

* At least one of Strategies 4 and 5 is required.

Make sure you include all required activities for the strategies you propose.

Applications which propose activities for optional strategies will be evaluated based on the quality, feasibility, and overall utility of the proposed activities.

Research activities are allowed and will be subject to all applicable laws, regulations, and policy requirements. Research activities, including related data collection activities, may be considered under Strategies 4-8.

Application Details Applications are due in GrantSolutions: June 29, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.

There will likely be no exceptions, except as described in the NOFO (p 68).

Completed applications should include:

Other required forms:

• Application for Federal Assistance (Grants.gov Form SF-424A)

• Budget Information for Non- Construction Programs (Grants.gov Form

SF-424A)

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable (Grants.gov Form SF-LLL)

Narratives:

• Project abstract (1 page)

• Project narrative (up to 20 pages)

• Budget narrative (no page limit)

Required Narratives Format:

Attachments:

• Table of contents

• Indirect cost agreement

• Resumes and job descriptions

• Organizational chart

• Letters of support

• Report on overlap, if applicable

• References

• Data management plan

These attachments should be saved in a single Other Attachments form.

For questions on your application materials and submitting your application, please reach out to the Grants Management contact.

Font: Calibri

File Format: PDF

Size: 12-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Ink color: Black

Spacing: Single-spaced

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers.

Save each narrative separately as the corresponding Grants.gov form (see p 51)

• Initial review: Application reviewed to ensure it meets responsiveness criteria. Pages over the page limit will not be reviewed. Ensure all formatting guidelines are met and the application checklist is followed.

• Scoring process: A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The panel uses the Evaluation criteria provided in the

NOFO.

Application Review

Evaluation Criteria

Contact Information

Please subscribe for updates at:

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360210.

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