Spatially Scalable Integrated Tick Vector/Rodent Reservoir Management to Reduce Human Risk of Exposure to Ixodes scapularis Ticks Infected with Lyme Disease Spirochetes | RFA CK 16 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA CK 16 002

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offered a cooperative agreement grant opportunity focused on reducing human exposure to blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) infected with Lyme disease bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto). Lyme disease is described as the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States, with more than 30,000 confirmed or probable cases reported each year and evidence suggesting the true burden may be roughly ten times higher. Because there is no currently available human vaccine for B. burgdorferi, the opportunity emphasizes prevention through integrated tick and pathogen control strategies that can lower the number of infected, host-seeking ticks on residential properties.

The core purpose of the project is to generate practical, scalable evidence about how well integrated tick vector and rodent reservoir management works when applied to a single property compared to multiple adjacent properties. The idea is that tick exposure risk is shaped not only by tick and host ecology but also by how people actually use their yards and nearby landscapes, and where exposure events are most likely to occur. By explicitly tying control efforts to human landscape use patterns and likely tick encounter locations, the project aims to clarify what scale of intervention is most effective for reducing real-world human risk, not just tick counts in isolation.

The intervention approach highlighted in the description is integrated management, meaning it combines methods that kill host-seeking ticks with methods that target natural rodent reservoirs that maintain and amplify B. burgdorferi in the environment. In practical terms, this kind of integrated strategy is intended to disrupt the cycle that produces infected nymphal ticks, the life stage most often responsible for transmitting Lyme disease to people, while also reducing the density of ticks actively seeking hosts in places where humans spend time.

Administratively, the opportunity is listed as RFA CK 16 002 under CFDA 93.942, categorized under Health, and funded as a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial involvement by the funding agency in the project beyond what is typical for a standard grant, such as collaboration on study design elements, measurement approaches, or coordination to ensure the work addresses public health priorities. The CDC anticipated making one award, with an award ceiling of $300,000, and the notice makes a strict point that any application requesting more than the ceiling would not be forwarded for peer review or considered for funding.

Eligibility was broad and included many types of public and nonprofit entities as well as educational institutions. Eligible applicants included state, county, and city/township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where applicable); and other organizations. The opportunity was posted with a creation date of November 19, 2015, and an original closing date of February 2, 2016, through CDC’s ERA system.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Spatially Scalable Integrated Tick Vector/Rodent Reservoir Management to Reduce Human Risk of Exposure to Ixodes scapularis Ticks Infected with Lyme Disease Spirochetes" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.942.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2015-11-19.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-02-02. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.

Apply for RFA CK 16 002

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