Pre-Application Conference Agenda for ACCESS Grant Program

This document is a pre-application conference agenda for the Maryland Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration regarding the Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People Who Use Drugs (ACCESS) grant program. The conference was scheduled for January 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM via video call, with participation information and contact details provided for the Behavioral Health Administration's Deputy Secretary. The agenda included introductions and a brief summary of the Request for Applications (RFA). Applications for this grant program were due January 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), with questions due by January 15, 2026. The initial project period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with optional extensions contingent on funding availability, demonstrated progress, and compliance with award conditions.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations classified as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), local or state government agencies, public colleges, or state universities, all of which must hold active Overdose Response Program (ORP) authorization from MDH. Applicants must provide state-authorized ORP services and at least three of twelve specified core activities focused on harm reduction and linkages to treatment. Funding is derived from SAMHSA State Opioid Response grants, CDC Overdose Data to Action in States cooperative agreements, and state general funds. Award types vary by grantee classification, including Standard Grant Agreements for private nonprofits and Memoranda of Understanding for government agencies. Private nonprofit organizations face indirect cost rate allowances of their federally approved rate or the higher of the federal de minimis rate or 15% of eligible direct costs, with fringe costs capped at 37.81% of salary. Current ACCESS grantees are subject to capped percentage increases on prior awards: 30% for state-authorized Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program (OADPOP) operators and 15% for non-OADPOP grantees.