FOA_Content_Of_HRSA-26-014.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due November 17, 2025

HIV/AIDS Bureau Division of Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Programs and Division of State HIV/AIDS Programs

Fostering Collaboration Across Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs to Engage People with HIV in Care Opportunity number: HRSA-26-014

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 14

Get registered 15

Find the application package 15

Application writing help 16

Step 3: Build Your Application 17

Application checklist 18

Application contents and format 19

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 26

Application review 27

Selection process 30

Award notices 30

Step 5: Submit Your Application 31

Application submission and deadlines 32

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 33

Post-award requirements and administration 34

Reporting 34

Contacts and Support 35

Before you begin 3

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registrations are active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 17, 2025.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 10

Basic information Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

HIV/AIDS Bureau

Division of Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Programs and Division of State HIV/AIDS Programs

Reducing new HIV diagnoses by engaging out-of-care populations.

Have questions?

Go to Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Fostering Collaboration Across Ryan White HIV/ AIDS Programs to Engage People with HIV in Care

Opportunity number:

HRSA-26-014

Announcement version:

New

Federal assistance listing:

93.145

Key dates

NOFO issue date:

September 15, 2025

Application deadline:

November 17, 2025

Expected award date is by:

April 1, 2026

Expected start date:

April 1, 2026

See other submissions for other time frames that may apply to this NOFO.

Summary This project will fund one technical assistance (TA) provider who will identify eight states with unmet need among communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. The TA provider will develop comprehensive asset maps (i.e., maps of services, epidemiologic data and other relevant information that provide a visual depiction of the HIV landscape) for each state. These maps will include resources and potential new partners that can be leveraged to address out of care populations. The TA provider will then plan and execute a two to three day in-person meeting for each state; all Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) recipients in the state will be included in the meeting. During the meeting, the RWHAP Parts will review the asset maps and develop a plan that has concrete goals and objectives, as well as actionable steps for reaching and engaging out of care populations, and which outlines the responsible parties. The plan will directly support national HIV goals and serve as a tool to track and monitor progress toward meeting the project goals.

Funding details Application Types: New

Expected total available funding in FY 2025: $1,500,000

Expected number and type of awards: One cooperative agreement

Funding range per award: Up to $1,500,000

We plan to fund the award in one 12-month budget period for a total one-year period of performance from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

The program and award depend on the appropriation of funds and are subject to change based on the availability and amount of appropriations.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-terminology#c

Eligibility Who can apply You can apply if you are a national organization; a state, territory, local, or Indian tribal government; an institution of higher education; a non-profit organization (including faith-based, community-based, and tribal organization); or an academic health science center.

Types of eligible organizations These types of domestic* organizations may apply:

• Public institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

• Non-profits with or without a 501(c)(3) IRS status

• State, county, city, township, and special district governments, including the District of Columbia, domestic territories, and freely associated states

• Native American tribal governments

• Native American tribal organizations

* “Domestic” means the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

Individuals are not eligible applicants under this NOFO.

Completeness and responsiveness criteria We will review your application to make sure it meets these basic requirements to move forward in the competition.

We will not consider an application that:

• Is from an organization that does not meet all eligibility criteria.

• Requests funding above the award ceiling shown in the funding range.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Application limits You may not submit more than one application. If you submit more than one application, we will only accept the last on-time submission.

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement. If you choose to share in the costs of the project, we will not consider it during merit review. We will hold you accountable for any funds you add, including through reporting.

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Program description Purpose The goal of this project is to foster collaboration between Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Parts A, B C, D, and Part F-AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETCs) through an objective process that will assist jurisdictions in reaching national HIV goals and in ending the HIV epidemic. This project builds upon the success of intensive technical assistance (TA) meetings that were held for RWHAP Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative (EHE) recipients. Through these intensive TA meetings, EHE recipients developed concrete action plans with implementable steps to address areas of need in their jurisdiction. Using this model, RWHAP Parts in participating states will focus on the unmet need of populations disproportionately impacted by HIV that are not engaged in HIV care. Through this project, RWHAP recipients will develop actions tailored to the specific needs of the out-of-care population/s in their specific communities, enhance collaborations that maximize resources, and strengthen the overall systems of care.

In support of reaching goals that jurisdictions have set through their Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan, including the Statewide Coordinated Statement of Need (SCSN), local ending the HIV epidemic work and other planning efforts, this project will fund one (TA) provider to plan and coordinate a convening of RWHAP Parts in eight states to develop an action plan to address people with HIV who are not engaged in HIV care. The TA provider will develop a comprehensive asset map of resources and potential new partners for each state that can be leveraged to address the out-of-care population. The TA provider will conduct meetings with all the RHWAP Parts in each state for a total of eight statewide meetings. With the assistance of the TA provider, participants will develop an action plan with concrete steps to reach people with HIV who are out of care and engage them in sustained HIV care. States will be identified based on data of unmet need, with a focus on states that are not receiving EHE funds.

Background The HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has five statutory funding parts that provide a comprehensive system of medical care, support, and medications for low-income people with HIV. The goal is better health results, and lower HIV transmission.

The HIV care continuum is key to the program. It shows the journey of someone with HIV from diagnosis to effective treatment, leading to viral suppression. Achieving viral suppression boosts the individual’s quality of life and prevents HIV transmission.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/about/parts-and-initiatives https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/policies-issues/hiv-aids-care-continuum/

This continuum also helps programs and planners measure progress and use resources effectively. We require you to work with each of the eight states to assess their outcomes and work with their community and public health partners to improve outcomes across the HIV care continuum. To assess programs, review HRSA’s Performance Measure Portfolio.

Expanding the effort

There have been significant accomplishments:

• From 2010 to 2023, HIV viral suppression among RWHAP clients improved from 87.1% to 90.6%. For more, see the 2023 Ryan White Services Report (RSR).

• In 2020, the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative launched to further expand federal efforts to reduce HIV transmission. For the RWHAP, the EHE initiative expands the program’s ability to meet the needs of clients, specifically focusing on linking people with HIV who are either newly diagnosed, diagnosed but currently not in care, or are diagnosed and in care but not yet virally suppressed, to the essential HIV care, treatment, and support services needed to help them reach viral suppression.

Program requirements and expectations This project will fund one TA provider who will identify eight states with unmet need among populations disproportionately impacted by HIV. The TA provider will work with the HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) to develop comprehensive asset maps for each state to guide the meeting. These maps will include resources and potential new partners that can be leveraged to address the out-of-care populations. The TA provider will then plan and execute a two to three day in-person meeting for each state; meeting attendees will include all RWHAP Parts A, B, C, D, and F-AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) recipients that are in the state. During the meeting, the RWHAP Parts will develop a plan with concrete goals and objectives as well as actionable steps that outline responsible parties. The plan will directly support national HIV goals (i.e., prevent new HIV infections, improve HIV-related health outcomes of people with HIV, reduce HIV-related disparities, and achieve integrated, coordinated efforts that address the HIV epidemic among all partners and collaborators) and serve as a tool to track and monitor progress toward meeting the project goals.

The TA provider will also develop an evaluation plan to examine processes and progress towards goals, program objectives, and expected outcomes of the project. In addition to the evaluation plan, the TA provider must also develop a monitoring plan to assist the RWHAP recipients and HAB staff in monitoring progress toward increasing the number of people with HIV in sustained HIV care after conclusion of this project.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/ending-the-hiv-epidemic/overview/ending-epidemic-timeline/

Statutory authority:

Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, Division D, title II, Pub. L. 118-47, as continued by P.L. 119-4 and 42 U.S.C. §§ 300ff-11 to -20, 300ff-16, 300ff-51 to -67 (§§ 2601–2610, 2606, and 2651-67 of the Public Health Service Act)

Award information Cooperative agreement terms Our responsibilities Aside from monitoring and technical assistance, we also get involved in these ways:

• Facilitate the availability and expertise of experienced HRSA HAB personnel as participants in the planning, development, and implementation of the project.

• Coordinate communication and collaboration with RWHAP recipients in the eight selected states.

• Review and provide substantive and stylistic input on cooperative agreement activities, procedures, measures, and tools to be implemented for accomplishing the project’s goals.

• Ensure cooperative agreement activities build upon progress, success, and lessons learned by providing access to materials and information from previous work in this area.

• Provide criteria and available data to determine state participants.

• Provide data points and available data for asset maps.

• Contribute to the development and design of the eight statewide in-person meetings.

• Review and approve all materials and products developed as part of this project.

Your responsibilities You must follow all applicable laws and policies. Your other responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with assigned HRSA project officers as necessary to plan and execute activities.

• Respond to feedback from HRSA HAB, and/or RWHAP recipients, by modifying approaches to the content, design, and/or delivery of activities to improve their quality or effectiveness.

• Identify states to participate in meetings based on HRSA’s criteria.

• Develop asset maps for each state that include location and type of providers.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

• Plan and execute eight meetings in the selected states:

◦ Develop agendas

◦ Identify and conduct work to be done prior to the in-person meetings, including introduction meetings

◦ Develop all necessary materials to execute the project

◦ Determine locations

◦ Support recipients’ domestic travel including lodging

◦ Develop evaluation of the project that includes individual meeting assessments and participant feedback

◦ Develop a monitoring plan to assess progress states make toward goals established during the in-person meetings

◦ Submit all materials to HRSA at least three weeks before needed so that HRSA has adequate time for review and approval

• Provide TA with the eight selected states on the successful implementation of the plan following the conclusion of the meetings.

Funding policies and limitations Changes in HHS regulations As of October 1, 2025, HHS will adopt 2 CFR 200, with some modifications included in 2 CFR 300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

Policies To make an award, funding must be available and allocated for this program and purpose, at which point we will move forward with the review and award process.

Support beyond the first budget year will depend on:

• Appropriation of funds.

• Your satisfactory progress in meeting the project’s objectives.

• A decision that continued funding is in the government’s best interest.

If we receive more funding for this program, we may:

• Fund more applicants from the rank order list.

• Extend the period of performance.

• Award supplemental funding.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200

General limitations

• For guidance on some types of costs we do not allow or restrict, see Project

Budget Information in Section 3.1.4 of the Application Guide. You can also see 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E - General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost .

• You cannot earn profit from the federal award. See 2 CFR 200.400(g).

• Current appropriations law includes a salary limit of $225,700 as of January 2025 that applies to this program. You may pay salaries at a higher rate if the rate beyond the salary rate limit (Executive Level II) is paid with non-HHS funds not associated with the HHS awarded project.

Program-specific statutory or regulatory limitations You cannot use funds under this notice for the following purposes:

• Charges that are billable to third party payers such as private health insurance, prepaid health plans, Medicaid, or Medicare.

• To directly provide medical or support services (for example, HIV care, counseling, and testing) that supplant existing services.

• Cash payments to intended recipients of RWHAP services.

• Purchase or construction of new facilities, or capital improvements to existing facilities.

• Purchase of or improvement to land.

• Fundraising expenses or lobbying activities and expenses.

• Syringe Services Programs that have not received HRSA’s prior approval or do not comply with HHS and HRSA policy.

• To develop materials designed to directly promote or encourage intravenous drug use or sexual activity.

◦ Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications or related medical services. (Please note that RWHAP recipients and subrecipient providers may provide prevention counseling and information to eligible clients’ partners—see RWHAP and PrEP Program Letter, November 16, 2021.)

• International travel.

See Manage Your Grant for other information on costs and financial management.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=13 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.400(g) https://www.aids.gov/federal-resources/policies/syringe-services-programs/ https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/hiv-care/prep-dcl-november-2021-508.pdf https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/hiv-care/prep-dcl-november-2021-508.pdf https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/manage-your-grant

Indirect costs Indirect costs are costs you incur across more than one project that cannot be easily separated by project. For example, this could include utilities for a building that supports multiple projects.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of two methods:

Method 1 – Approved rate. You currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency at the time of award.

Method 2 – De minimis rate. Per 2 CFR 200.414 (f), if you have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate. If you choose this method, costs included in the indirect cost pool must not be charged as direct costs.

This rate is 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See 2 CFR 200.1 for the definition of MTDC. You can use this rate indefinitely.

Program income Program income is money earned as a result of your award-supported project activities. You must use any program income you generate from awarded funds for approved project-related activities. Find more about program income at 2 CFR 200.307.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 15

Find the application package 15

Application writing help 16

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select the Entity Registration Checklist to find out what you’ll need to register.

When you register or update your SAM.gov registration, you must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations. You must agree to those for grants specifically, as opposed to contracts, because the two sets of agreements are different. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Grants.gov You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it online. Go to Grants Search at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number HRSA-26-014.

After you select the opportunity, we recommend that you click the Subscribe button to get updates.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application/assurances-non-construction-programs https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application/assurances-non-construction-programs https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.grants.gov/search-grants

Application writing help Visit HHS Tips for Preparing Grant Proposals.

Visit HRSA’s How to Prepare Your Application page for more guidance.

See Apply for a Grant for other help and resources.

FAQs will be posted on our TA webpage after the webinar.

Join the webinar For more information about this opportunity, join the webinar on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. You can register at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ 8b596d75-70e8-400c-982c-1d72a0409fc7@14b77578-9773-42d5-8507-251ca2dc2b06.

We will record the webinar. Visit the HRSA’s open opportunities website to learn more about the resources available for this funding opportunity.

Have questions? Go to Contacts and Support.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/get-ready-for-grants-management/tips-for-preparing-grant-proposals/index.html https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8b596d75-70e8-400c-982c-1d72a0409fc7@14b77578-9773-42d5-8507-251ca2dc2b06 https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8b596d75-70e8-400c-982c-1d72a0409fc7@14b77578-9773-42d5-8507-251ca2dc2b06 https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/find-funding

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 18

Application contents and format 19

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply:

Narratives Component Included in page limit*?

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form Yes

Budget narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form Yes

Attachments Insert each in the Attachments Form in this order.

Component Included in page limit*?

1. Work plan Yes

2. Staffing plan and job descriptions Yes

3. Biographical sketches No

4. Agreements with other entities Yes

5. Project organizational chart Yes

6. Other relevant document Yes

7. Other relevant document Yes

8. Other relevant document Yes

9. Other relevant document Yes

10. Other relevant document Yes

Step 3: Build Your Application 18

Other required forms Upload using each required form in Grants.gov.

Component Included in page limit*?

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) No

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

(SF-424A)

No

Project Abstract Summary Form No

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), optional No

Project/Performance Site Location(s) No

Grants.gov Lobbying Form No

Key Contacts No

*Only what you attach in these forms counts toward the page limit. The forms themselves do not count.

Application contents and format Applications include 4 main components. This section includes guidance on each.

Application page limit: 40 pages.

Submit your information in English and express whole number budget figures using U.S. dollars.

Required format You must format your narratives and attachments using our required formats for fonts, size, color, format, and margins. See the formatting guidelines in Section 3.2 of the Application Guide.

Project narrative In this section, you will describe all aspects of your project.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 19 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=24

Use the section headers and the order listed.

Introduction See merit review criterion 1: Need

Briefly describe the purpose of your project.

Need See merit review criterion 1: Need

• Describe your understanding of the need for increased RWHAP collaboration across Parts A, B, C, D, and F-AETC to better engage people into HIV care who are not currently engaged in care.

• Use and cite demographic data whenever possible.

Approach See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Tell us how you’ll address the needs you described and meet the program requirements and expectations described in this NOFO.

• Describe how you’ll assess the unique needs of each state selected for this project.

• Describe your plan to conduct the eight in-person meetings.

• Include strategies for TA to states before, during, and after the conclusion of the meetings.

• Include a plan to distribute reports, products, or project outputs to the eight states.

High-level work plan See merit review criteria 2: Response and 4: Impact

• Describe how you’ll achieve each of the objectives during the period of performance.

• Provide a timeline that includes each activity and identifies who is responsible for each. As needed, identify how key stakeholders will help plan, design, and carry out these activities.

You will also include a more detailed work plan in attachment 1 with following information:

• Goals for the proposed one-year period of performance.

• Objectives that are specific, time-framed, and measurable.

• Action steps to achieve the stated objectives.

Step 3: Build Your Application 20

• Staff responsible for each action step, including any consultants.

• Anticipated start and completion dates.

Resolving challenges See merit review criterion 2: Response

Discuss possible challenges you may face in designing and carrying out the activities in the work plan and the proposed methods described in the approach section. Explain how you’ll resolve them.

Performance reporting and evaluation See merit review criteria 3: Performance reporting and evaluation and 5: Resources and capabilities

• Outcomes. Describe the expected outcomes (desired results) of the funded activities.

• Program evaluation. Describe how you will evaluate your project. The evaluation should examine processes and progress towards goals, program objectives, and expected outcomes. Evaluations must follow the HHS Evaluation Policy, as well as the standards and best practices described in OMB Memorandum M-20-12. In the description of your evaluation, include:

◦ The evaluation questions, methods, data you will collect, and timeline for evaluating the program.

◦ Challenges in evaluating your program and how you will address them.

◦ The capacity of your organization and staff to evaluate the program. Include their experience, skills, and knowledge.

◦ A methodology to assess the impact of the TA provided to the eight states selected for this project.

◦ A monitoring plan to assist RWHAP recipients and HAB staff in monitoring progress toward increasing the number of people with HIV in sustained HIV care after conclusion of this project.

See the reporting section for more information.

Organizational information See merit review criterion 5: Resources and capabilities

• Briefly describe your mission, structure, and the scope of your current activities.

Explain how they will help you carry out the program requirements.

• Include a staffing plan with job descriptions for key personnel (attachment 2) that identifies staff credentials and commitments to the proposed project

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 21 https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/department-health-human-services-evaluation-policy components. If you will use consultants and/or contractors to provide any of the proposed services, describe their roles and responsibilities on the project.

• Include a project organizational chart (attachment 5). The chart should be a one-page figure that depicts the project structure, not the entire organization. It should include subrecipients, contractors, and other significant collaborators, if applicable.

• Demonstrate the experience of your organization with similar projects.

Budget and budget narrative See merit review criterion 6: Support requested

Your budget should follow the instructions in Section 3.1.4 Project Budget Information

– Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) of the Application Guide and the instructions listed in this section. Your budget should show a well-organized plan.

HHS now uses the definitions for equipment and supply in 2 CFR 200.1. The new definitions change the threshold for equipment to the lesser of the recipient’s capitalization level or $10,000 and the threshold for supplies to below that amount.

The total project or program costs are all allowable (direct and indirect) costs used for the HRSA award activity or project. This includes costs charged to the award and non-federal funds used to satisfy a matching or cost-sharing requirement (which may include maintenance of effort, if applicable).

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form 424-A.

See other required forms. It includes an itemized breakdown and a clear justification of the costs you request. The merit review committee reviews both.

As you develop your budget, consider:

• If the costs are reasonable, allowable and allocable, and consistent with your project’s purpose and activities.

• The restrictions on spending funds. See funding policies and limitations.

To create your budget narrative, see detailed instructions in Section 3.1.5 of the Application Guide.

Attachments See Section 3.2.6 of the Application Guide.

Place your attachments in this order in the Attachments Form. See application checklist to determine if they count toward the page limit.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 22 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=13 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Equipment) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Supply) https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=18 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=25

Attachment 1: Work plan Attach the project’s work plan. Make sure it includes everything required in the project narrative section.

Attachment 2: Staffing plan and job descriptions See Section 3.1.7 of the Application Guide.

Include a staffing plan that shows the staff positions that will support the project, and key information about each. Justify your staffing choices, including their education and experience. Explain your reasons for the amount of time you request for each staff position.

For each key staff member, attach a one-page job description. It must include their role, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Attachment 3: Biographical sketches Include biographical sketches for people who will hold the key positions you describe in Attachment 2.

Each biographical sketch should be no more than two pages. Do not include non-public, personally identifiable information. If you include someone you have not hired yet, provide a letter of commitment from that person along with the biographical sketch.

Attachment 4: Agreements with other entities Provide any documents that describe working relationships between your organization and others you mention in your project narrative. If you include documents that confirm actual or pending contracts or agreements, the documents should clearly describe the roles of subrecipients and contractors and any deliverables. It is not necessary to include the entire contents of lengthy agreements, so long as the portions you include describe the working relationship between you and the other organization.

Make sure letters of agreement are signed and dated.

Attachment 5: Project organizational chart Provide a one-page diagram that shows the full project’s organizational structure.

Attachment 6-10: other relevant documents You may use attachments 6 through 10 to add other relevant documents.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 23 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=21 https://grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-terminology#p

Other required forms You will need to complete some other forms. Upload the following forms at Grants.gov.

You can find them in the NOFO application package or review them and any available instructions at Grants.gov Forms.

Forms Submission Requirement

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) With application.

Project Abstract Summary Form With application.

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)

With application.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) If applicable, with the application or before award.

Budget Narrative Attachment Form With application.

Project/Performance Site Location(s) With application.

Grants.gov Lobbying Form With application.

Key Contacts With application.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 24 https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

Form instructions Follow the instructions for Application for Federal Assistance in section 3.1 of the Application Guide and any additional instructions provided here.

Project abstract summary form instructions Complete the information in this form. Include a short description of your proposed project. Include the needs you plan to address, the proposed services, and the population groups you plan to serve. For more information, see Section 3.1.2 of the Application Guide.

Important: public information

When filling out your SF-424 form, pay attention to Box 15: Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project.

We share what you put there with USAspending. This is where the public goes to learn how the federal government spends their money.

Instead of just a title, insert a short description of your project and what it will do.

See instructions and examples.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 25 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=13 https://www.usaspending.gov/%22%20/t%20%22_blank https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-writing-award-descriptions.pdf

Step 4:

Learn About Review and Award

In this step

Application review 27

Selection process 30

Award notices 30

Application review Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets eligibility criteria, including the completeness and responsiveness criteria. If your application does not meet these criteria, it will not be funded.

We will not review any pages that exceed the page limit.

Merit review A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use these criteria.

Criterion Total number of points = 100

1. Need 10 points

2. Response 35 points

3. Performance reporting and evaluation 15 points

4. Impact 10 points

5. Resources and capabilities 15 points

6. Support requested 15 points

Criterion 1: Need 10 points

See the project narrative Introduction and Need sections.

The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes the project purpose.

• Describe your understanding of the need for increased RWHAP collaboration across Parts A, B, C, D, and F-AETC to better engage people into HIV care.

Criterion 2: Response 35 points

See the project narrative Approach, High-level work plan, and Resolving challenges sections.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 27

The panel will review your application for:

• How well it responds to the program’s purpose and addresses the needs and expectations of the project. 5 points

• How well it describes how the unique needs of each state will be assessed and the strategies for TA before, during, and after the conclusion of the meetings. 5 points

• The strength and completeness of the plan to conduct the eight in-person meetings. 5 points

• The strength and completeness of the plan to distribute reports, products, or project outputs. 5 points

• How well the activities described will address the problem and achieve project objectives. 5 points

• The strength of the proposed goals and objectives, and timeline with responsible party for each activity. 5 points

• How well it describes the obstacles and challenges you may face during project design and implementation. This includes the quality of your plan to deal with them. 5 points

Criterion 3: Performance reporting and evaluation 15 points

See the project narrative Performance reporting and evaluation section.

The panel will review your application for:

Evaluation

• Overall approach and methodology to evaluate project results against goals and objectives.

• Identification of challenges and how they will be addressed.

• The capacity of the organization and staff to evaluate the program.

• A methodology that assesses the impact of the TA provided to the eight states selected for this project.

• A monitoring plan that assists RWHAP recipients and HAB staff in monitoring progress toward increasing the number of people with HIV in sustained HIV care after conclusion of this project.

Criterion 4: Impact 10 points

See the project narrative High-level work plan section.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 28

The panel will review your application for:

• How effective the proposed project is likely to be.

Criterion 5: Resources and capabilities 15 points

See the project narrative Organizational information and Performance reporting and evaluation sections.

The panel will review your application to determine the extent to which:

• Project staff have the training or experience to carry out the project.

• Project staff have the training and experience to carryout program evaluations.

• You have the capabilities to fulfill the needs of the project.

Criterion 6: Support requested 15 points

See the Budget and budget narrative section.

The panel will review your application to determine:

• How reasonable the proposed budget is for each year of the period of performance.

• How reasonable costs are and how well they align with the project’s scope.

• How sufficient the time is for key staff to spend on the project to achieve project objectives.

We do not consider voluntary cost sharing during merit review.

Risk review Before making an award, we review your award history to assess risk. We need to ensure all prior awards were managed well and demonstrated sound business practices. We:

• Review any applicable past performance.

• Review audit reports and findings.

• Analyze the budget.

• Assess your management systems.

• Ensure you continue to be eligible.

• Make sure you comply with any public policies.

We may ask you to submit additional information.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 29

As part of this review, we use SAM.gov Entity Information Responsibility/Qualification to check your history for all awards likely to be more than $250,000 over the period of performance. You can comment on your organization’s information in SAM.gov. We’ll consider your comments before making a decision about your level of risk.

If we find a significant risk, we may choose not to fund your application or to place specific conditions on the award.

For more details, see 2 CFR 200.206.

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

• The amount of available funds.

• Assessed risk.

• Merit review results. These are key in making decisions but are not the only factor.

• The larger portfolio of HRSA-funded projects, including project types and geographic distribution.

We may:

• Fund out of rank order.

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

• Decide not to allow a recipient to make a subaward if it may not be able to monitor and manage subrecipients properly.

• Choose to fund no applications under this NOFO.

You cannot appeal a denial, or the amount of funds awarded.

Award notices We will issue a Notice of Award (NOA) on or around the start date listed in the NOFO.

See Section 4 of the Application Guide for more information.

By drawing down funds, you accept the terms and conditions of the award.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 30 https://sam.gov/content/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=31

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 32

Application submission and deadlines Your organization’s authorized official must certify your application. See the section on finding the application package to make sure you have everything you need.

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI requirements. When you register or update

Application Deadlines You must submit your application by November 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Grants.gov creates a date and time record when it receives applications.

Submission method Grants.gov You must submit your application through Grants.gov. You may do so using Grants.gov Workspace. This is the preferred method. For alternative online methods, see Applicant System-to-System.

For instructions on how to submit in Grants.gov, see the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Make sure that your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks, or we may not get it. Do not encrypt, zip, or password protect any files.

Have questions? Go to Contacts and Support.

Other submissions Intergovernmental review This NOFO is not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. No action is needed.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 5: Submit Your Application 32 https://www.grants.gov/system-to-system/applicant-system-to-system/ https://www.grants.gov/system-to-system/applicant-system-to-system/ http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html

Step 6:

Learn What Happens After Award

In this step

Post-award requirements and administration 34

Reporting 34

Post-award requirements and administration Administrative and national policy requirements There are important rules you need to know if you get an award. You must follow:

• All terms and conditions in the Notice of Award (NOA). We incorporate this NOFO by reference.

• The regulations at 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards, modifications at 2 CFR 300, and any superseding regulations.

• The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS). Your NOA will reference this document. If there are any exceptions to the GPS, they’ll be listed in your NOA.

• All federal statutes and regulations relevant to federal financial assistance, including those highlighted in HHS Grants Policy Statement.

• The requirements for performance management in 2 CFR 200.301 (before October

1, 2025: 45 CFR 75.301).

Cybersecurity If awarded, you must develop plans and procedures, modeled after the NIST Cybersecurity framework, to protect HHS systems and data. See details here.

Reporting If you are funded, you will have to follow the reporting requirements in Section 4 of the Application Guide. The NOA will provide specific details.

You must also follow these program-specific reporting requirements:

• Progress reports each quarter

• Federal Financial Report (SF-425)

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 34 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.301 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.301 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-administrative-national-policy-requirements.pdf https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page=33

Contacts and Support

In this step

Agency contacts 36

Grants.gov 36

SAM.gov 36

Helpful websites 37

Agency contacts Program and eligibility Susan Robilotto, D.O.

Director, Division of State HIV/AIDS Programs Attn: Fostering Collaboration Across Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs to Engage People with HIV in Care HIV/AIDS Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration SRobilotto@hrsa.gov 301-443-6554

Financial and budget Beverly Smith Grants Management Specialist Division of Grants Management Operations, OFAAM Health Resources and Services Administration Bsmith@hrsa.gov 301-443-7065

HRSA Contact Center Open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET, except for federal holidays.

Call: 877-464-4772 / 877-Go4-HRSA

TTY: 877-897-9910

Electronic Handbooks Contact Center

Grants.gov Grants.gov provides 24/7 support. You can call 800-518-4726, search the Grants.gov Knowledge Base, or email Grants.gov for support. Hold on to your ticket number.

SAM.gov If you need help, you can call 866-606-8220 or live chat with the Federal Service Desk.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Contacts and Support 36 mailto:SRobilotto@hrsa.gov mailto:Bsmith@hrsa.gov https://hrsacm.my.salesforce-sites.com/EHBExternalForm https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants?pt=Grants https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants?pt=Grants mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

Helpful websites

• HRSA Grants page

• HHS Tips for Preparing Grant Proposals

• HRSA’s How to Prepare Your Application page

• HRSA Application Guide

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Contacts and Support 37 https://www.hrsa.gov/grants https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/get-ready-for-grants-management/tips-for-preparing-grant-proposals/index.html https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf

Risk review

Reporting