The CDC's Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for "Monitoring, Operations Research, Evaluation of Tools for Malaria Control and Prevention in Kenya" (RFA-CK-25-035) aims to support critical research to improve malaria control and elimination strategies in Kenya. This initiative focuses on evaluating current and novel malaria interventions, enhancing epidemiologic methods, and advancing laboratory capabilities to monitor and measure the effectiveness of malaria prevention and treatment. The goal is to generate impactful public health findings that inform both local strategies in Kenya and global malaria policy.

The total funding available for this five-year cooperative agreement is $13,000,000, with one anticipated award. Annual budgets are estimated at $3,000,000 for the first year and $2,500,000 for subsequent years. Activities must align with the stated objectives, including conducting operations research, improving surveillance systems, and strengthening laboratory methods. Eligible applicants include a range of entities such as governments, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and for-profit organizations, including foreign entities with a presence in Kenya. The application requires collaboration with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and support from the Kenyan National Malaria Control Program (NMCP).

Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by January 13, 2025, and a complete application by February 12, 2025. Required submissions include a Research Strategy limited to 12 pages and a Data Management Plan. Applications are subject to strict adherence to guidelines outlined in the SF-424 Application Guide. Applications not meeting eligibility criteria or lacking required documents, such as a Letter of Support from KEMRI, may be deemed non-responsive and excluded from review.

Applications will be reviewed based on criteria such as significance, investigator capability, innovation, and approach, with emphasis on collaboration with KEMRI and contributions to malaria policy and public health impact. Following scientific peer review, applications will undergo secondary review for programmatic relevance, funding availability, and alignment with CDC priorities.

Awardees will be responsible for robust project implementation, including capacity building, data sharing, and dissemination of findings. Reporting requirements include annual progress and financial reports, as well as a final comprehensive report upon project completion. The CDC retains substantial involvement, providing technical assistance, protocol development support, and oversight to ensure alignment with NOFO objectives.