Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics

**Our Mission** CFA works to empower people to save lives and protect communities from health threats by harnessing cutting-edge analytics to improve response to public health emergencies. The Center will advance forecasting and outbreak analytics through predicting, informing, innovating, and advancing the national capability to respond during public health crises. **Focus** CFA works with private industry partners, academia, local public health organizations, and other agencies within the federal government to create forecasting tools and other resources to respond to public health emergencies. CFA is prioritizing collaboration across various sectors because we know there are unique capabilities and expertise that may prove applicable in the field of public health. In April 2022, CFA organized its inaugural Industry Day, where multiple private companies exchanged ideas on forecasting and outbreak analytics. In 2023, CFA appointed a chief technology officer to oversee our technology infrastructure, including private sector technologies. This focus on cross-sector collaboration is what makes CFA unique and will help achieve our mission and goals. **Goals** CFA supports innovation to improve the science of disease outbreak analytics and modeling by: - Producing data-driven models and forecasts to predict the course of disease outbreaks. - Informing decision-makers of potential consequences of outbreaks and public health responses. - Ensuring effective decision-making using real-time data, advanced scientific analytics and modeling. CFA staff work with partners in public, private, and academic sectors to advance our research and achieve our goals.