The CDC’s funding opportunity, CDC-RFA-JG-25-0065, aims to strengthen laboratory diagnostics and monitoring to enhance HIV/AIDS care and treatment in the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Supported under the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), this initiative builds upon previous successes such as laboratory accreditations and workforce training, targeting sustainable, efficient laboratory systems to bolster public health outcomes. It seeks to address gaps in diagnostics and monitoring for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and related diseases through capacity-building, quality assurance, and the adoption of innovative diagnostic technologies.

The program offers an expected $1,500,000 for the first year, with a five-year duration contingent on available funding and satisfactory progress. Applicants are expected to propose strategies to achieve accreditation, implement quality management systems (QMS), and provide uninterrupted diagnostic services. The initiative prioritizes technical assistance, mentoring, and in-service training for laboratory staff while leveraging quality assurance tools like the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) program and Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process toward Accreditation (SLIPTA).

Eligible applicants include diverse entities such as governments, nonprofits, academic institutions, and foreign organizations. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to operate in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, aligning activities with national health priorities and PEPFAR guidelines. Applications should include detailed work plans, evaluation frameworks, and budget narratives, adhering to submission requirements such as single-spacing, 12-point font, and page limits for narratives. A preference is offered to local partners meeting PEPFAR-defined criteria, granting an additional 30 points in the merit review.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by February 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Registration with SAM.gov and Grants.gov is required, and applicants are encouraged to begin this process early. Submitted proposals will undergo an initial responsiveness review followed by a merit review assessing the approach, organizational capacity, and data management plans.

The CDC expects awardees to monitor and report on key indicators, allocate at least 5% of the budget for monitoring and evaluation, and submit periodic performance and financial reports. Significant CDC involvement includes guidance on program implementation, data management, and compliance with PEPFAR standards. Additional resources and support will be provided to ensure alignment with U.S. government financial and reporting requirements.

For questions, applicants can contact the program officer or grants management officer listed in the notice, ensuring inquiries are submitted no later than 20 days after the publication date. The final award announcement is anticipated by the end of August 2025, with projects commencing by September 30, 2025.