Agenda Pre-Application Conference_FY27 ACCESS_BPM054659.pdf

This is a pre-application conference agenda for the Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People Who Use Drugs (ACCESS) grant program, issued by the Maryland Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration. The conference, held on January 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM via Google Meet, provided an overview of the RFA and fielded questions from prospective applicants. Applications are 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 available contingent on funding availability, demonstrated progress, compliance, and approved continuation applications. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations classified as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), local or state government agencies, public colleges, and state universities, all of which must hold active Overdose Response Program (ORP) authorization from MDH.

Applicants must provide state-authorized ORP services including opioid overdose education, naloxone dispensing, and drug testing strip distribution, plus at least three of twelve specified core activities such as peer support services, infectious disease testing, wound care, and medications for opioid use disorder linkages. Current ACCESS grantees are subject to capped percentage increases: 30% for state-authorized Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program (OADPOP) operators and 15% for non-OADPOP grantees. Applicant-specific annual funding limits are determined through a formula incorporating jurisdiction-level substance use vulnerability measures, OADPOP operation status, years of service, fixed-site locations, and Rapid Analysis of Drugs program participation. Private nonprofit organizations are subject to indirect cost rate allowances of either 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. 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: Standard Grant Agreements for private nonprofits, UFD awards for local health departments, University Interagency Agreements for public colleges and universities, and Memoranda of Understanding for other government agencies. An addendum issued January 12, 2026, revised fringe benefit calculations and IRS documentation requirements.