Foa_Content_of_HRSA-26-015.pdf

Notice of Funding

Opportunity Application due

January 12, 2026

Bureau of Health Workforce Division of the National Health Service Corps

State Loan Repayment Program (State LRP) Opportunity number: HRSA-26-015

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 11

Get registered 12

Find the application package 12

Application writing help 13

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 14

Application contents and format 15

Step 4: Learn About Review & Award 28

Application review 29

Selection process 32

Award notices 32

Step 5: Submit Your Application 33

Application submission and deadlines 34

Application checklist 36

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 38

Post-award requirements and administration 39

Contacts and Support 42

Before you begin 3

Appendix: State Loan Repayment Program requirements and critical elements 45

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 January 12, 2026.

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. Prepare 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)

Bureau of Health Workforce

Division of the National Health Service Corps

Grants to states and U.S. Territories to support loan repayment programs for primary health care workers in Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Have questions?

Go to Contacts and Support.

Key facts Opportunity name:

State Loan Repayment Program (State LRP)

Opportunity number:

HRSA-26-015

Announcement version:

New

Federal assistance listing:

93.165

Statutory authority:

Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 338I(a)-(i) (42 U.S.C. 254q-1(a)-(i)).

Key dates NOFO issue date:

July 24, 2025

Informational webinar:

Information will be posted on our website.

Application deadline:

January 12, 2026

Expected award date is by: April 1, 2026

Expected start date:

July 1, 2026

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

Summary The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 State Loan Repayment Program (State LRP). This program grants funds to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. The goal is to help them run their own state loan repayment programs. These programs are for primary care providers working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) in their states.

Funding details Application Types: New

Expected total available funding in FY 2025: $20,000,000

Expected number and type of awards: Up to 50 Grants

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

HRSA plans to fund awards over a 3-year period of performance starting July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/state-loan-repayment-program/managing-grants

Eligibility Who can apply You can apply if you are in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Domestic (US) territories. The term “states” is used throughout this NOFO to refer to all eligible organization types.

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

• State governments, including the District of Columbia and or Domestic (US) territories

• 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.

Other eligibility criteria

• States must show that a state agency will run the grant-funded program.

◦ States must identify the key personnel who would administer the State LRP and describe their qualifications and experiences with the State’s health care delivery system and health workforce needs.

• States must also agree that all funds will pay all or part of the principal, interest, and related expenses of qualifying educational loans of health care professionals’ educational loans.

◦ This is in exchange for providing primary care in HPSAs.

• Funds cannot be used for administering the program.

• Contracts between the state and health care professionals must contain a breach provision, and contracts must not be provided on terms that are more favorable to the health professionals than the most favorable terms of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP). See 42 U.S.C. 254q-1(c).

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-8773/pdf/COMPS-8773.pdf

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.

• Any pages over the page limit will not be reviewed.

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 Cost sharing/matching is required. States will be required to demonstrate a $1 for $1 match for the federal funding received through this award. Grantees will need to secure a 1:1 match from non-federal sources.

You can meet your match requirement through any combination of:

• Cash contributed by your organization, partners, or other third parties.

• State appropriations, foundations, service sites, licensing fees, or tobacco taxes, as per the standard guidelines.

States may not use any other federal funds to satisfy the non-federal match requirement.

Note: We waive cost sharing requirements up to $200,000 for any award to the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Source: (48 U.S.C. 1469a(d)).

We will hold you accountable for any funds you add, including through Reporting.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1469a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true#substructure-location_d

Program description Purpose The purpose of this program is to offer grant funds available to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories to help them run their own loan repayment programs for primary care providers to serve in HPSAs. In return for serving in these underserved communities, providers receive loan repayment awards.

Recipients can choose the eligible primary care disciplines their programs support and HPSA locations based on their needs. HRSA encourages applicants to consider how they can use funds to meet and further HHS priorities. This includes placing providers in areas at-risk of experiencing a public health emergency.

What is new?

Discipline Expansion

• Dental Therapists

• Registered Dieticians (considered part of Primary Care team)

Award increase It also increases the maximum award to $75,000 for full-time primary care medical providers assigned to a primary care HPSA.

Eligible sites Rural Emergency Hospitals with affiliated outpatient clinics are now eligible practice sites.

Background Since 1987, State LRP has, through its grant funding to recipient states, recruited and kept clinicians in HPSAs after their service obligation ends. The program leverages each recipient’s expertise to match community needs. Successful projects have improved primary health access for underserved groups. Many recipient states combine federal, state, and other loan repayment programs to meet their health professional needs.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

Program goals

• Recruit and retain providers to grow the primary health care workforce in HPSAs within the state.

• Increase access to primary care in underserved communities and for underserved populations.

• Reduce disparities and improve health care outcomes for all in underserved communities.

Program objectives

• Develop partnerships between academia, primary care delivery sites, primary care associations, primary care offices, governor’s offices, health departments, and community-based organizations.

• Increase the primary health care workforce in HPSAs.

• Encourage providers to work in HPSAs by repaying their eligible educational loans.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

Award information Funding policies and limitations Policies

• Awards will be made only if funding is 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

◦ 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.

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 R&R Application Guide. You can also see 45 CFR part 75, or any superseding regulation, General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost.

• You cannot earn profit from the federal award. See 45 CFR 75.400(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

• The State LRP does not allow for use of funds for administering the program.

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 45 CFR 75.307.

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75#75.400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR911e5e1a30bfbcb/section-75.307 https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/manage-your-grant

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 12

Find the application package 12

Application writing help 13

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.

Need Help? See Contacts and Support.

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-26-015.

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

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 12 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.

Join the webinar

For more information about this opportunity, visit the Bureau of Health Workforce’s open opportunities. The Webinar will be recorded.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 13 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://bhw.hrsa.gov/fundingopportunities/default.aspx

Step 3:

Prepare Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 15

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

Application page limit: 60 pages.

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

Make sure you include each of these:

Components Submission Form Included in the page limit?

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary Form. No

Project narrative Research and Related Other Project Information Yes

Budget narrative Use the Research and Related Budget form. (Line L) Yes

Attachments Insert each in the Other Attachments form. Yes, unless otherwise marked.

Other required forms Upload using each required form. Indicated in the other required forms section.

See the application checklist for a full list of all application requirements. See form instructions for more detail on completing each form.

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 R&R Application Guide.

Project abstract Complete the information in the Project Abstract Summary 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 R&R Application Guide.

To ensure that you fully address the review criteria, this table provides a crosswalk between the narrative language and where each section falls within the review criteria.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 15 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=25 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=25 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=14

Any attachments referenced in a narrative section may be considered during the objective review.

Narrative Section Criterion Total number of points =

Introduction and purpose, Need 1. Purpose & need 15 points

Approach, High level work plan, Resolving challenges

2. Response 35 points

Performance report & evaluation, Sustainability

3. Impact 25 points

Performance report & evaluation, Organizational information

4. Resources & capabilities 10 points

Budget & budget narrative 5. Support requested 15 points

Project narrative In this section, you will describe all aspects of your project. Use the section headers and the order as listed.

Introduction and purpose See merit review criterion 1: Purpose and need

Briefly describe the purpose of your project.

• This section must outline the healthcare needs of underserved populations in your state.

◦ It should describe how the project will meet these needs, and how it will improve healthcare access and outcomes for these communities.

• Provide a clear and brief overview of the project.

◦ It should clarify the project’s scope, objectives, and anticipated impact.

◦ The overview should be self-explanatory, summarizing key elements.

• If applicable, describe the health care workforce needs related to registered dieticians and dental therapists .

Need See merit review criterion 1: Purpose and need

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 16

• Describe the target population and current workforce gaps in primary, dental, and mental health care, including community health factors.

• Identify disparities impacting the population and communities served, as well as unmet workforce needs.

• Describe the capacity of the current health care workforce and note trends, such as in telehealth, or maternal and child health.

• Specify the workforce disciplines and types of HPSAs that your project will address.

Approach See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Describe your objectives and planned activities.

◦ Show how they meet the project’s purpose.

◦ Show how they meet stated needs for the target population.

◦ Describe the key elements of your state loan repayment program:

▪ Participant eligibility

▪ Discipline eligibility

▪ Practice site eligibility

▪ Program administrative management and oversight.

Participant Eligibility

• Describe how you determine program eligibility for participants, including applicable federal and state requirements.

◦ See the Critical Elements in the Appendix for more information about eligible participants.

• Describe your recruitment strategies and how you will create a competitive applicant pool.

◦ Also address how you’ll retain providers.

• Describe how you will verify eligible educational loans.

• Describe how you will verify that funds should be used for loan repayment.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 17

Discipline Eligibility

• List the primary care disciplines your program supports and their effects on HPSA populations.

◦ See the Critical Elements in the Appendix for more information about eligible State LRP disciplines.

• Describe how these disciplines will fill health care workforce gaps.

◦ Indicate if state law or policy decides the eligible disciplines.

• Indicate how the disciplines match the goals of addressing gaps in primary, dental, or mental health care workforce.

• Specify the primary care services this funding supports and the populations it helps.

• Identify if the funding will expand the types of providers you are currently recruiting.

Practice Site Eligibility

• Identify which sites State LRP will support.

◦ See the Critical Elements in the Appendix for more information about eligible site types.

• Describe strategies for recruiting practice sites and how to determine their eligibility.

◦ See Attachment 2 for Information about Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and sub-recipient agreements.

Program Administrative Management and Oversight

• Provide an overview of the organizational and management structure of the state entity running the Loan Repayment program.

◦ See the Critical Elements Appendix for more information about program administrative management and oversight.

• Describe any partnerships with federal, state, and other statewide health care organization.

◦ Include those that provide guidance through advisory committees or similar groups.

• Describe how sites and participants comply with program and state guidelines, including:

◦ The policies and processes states use to ensure requirements and service obligations are met.

◦ Actions taken when a participant does not meet obligations.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 18

◦ The monitoring process for service verification, eligibility, and clinician oversight at practice sites.

◦ Processes to make sure the salaries for State LRP participants match the prevailing rate and are not lowered due to their award.

High-level work plan See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Describe how you will meet each objective during the period of performance.

• Provide a timeline for each activity, naming who is responsible for each activity.

◦ As needed, show how key stakeholders will help plan, design, and carry out all activities.

• Include how these stakeholders meet the needs of the populations and communities they serve.

• You will also include a more detailed work plan in your Standardized Work Plan

(SWP).

See Standard Forms.

Resolving challenges See merit review criterion 2: Response

Discuss challenges that you might face in designing and carrying out the work plan.

Explain your solutions.

Performance reporting and evaluation See merit review criteria 3: Impact and 4: Resources and capabilities

• Outcomes: Describe the desired results of the activities.

• Performance Measurement and Reporting:

◦ Describe how you will collect and report performance data accurately and on time.

◦ Describe how you will manage and securely store data.

▪ Include how you will report National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers for participants.

▪ Project loan repayment recipients in eligible disciplines must apply for and report on an NPI.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 19

◦ Describe how you will track awardees for up to a year after they complete the program. Include collecting awardees’ NPIs.

◦ Describe how you will monitor and analyze performance data to continuously improve.

• Program Evaluation: The evaluation should assess processes and progress towards program 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.

◦ Describe how you will evaluate the project by including:

▪ The evaluation questions, methods, data that will be collected, and timeline for implementation.

▪ Evaluation barriers and your solutions.

▪ Your organization’s capacity, including experience and skills.

▪ Plans for sharing results, assessing effectiveness, evaluating whether the results are national in scope, and replication potential.

• See Reporting for more information.

Sustainability See merit review criterion 3: Impact

We expect you to sustain key project elements that improve practices and outcomes for the target population. Propose a plan for sustainability after the period of federal funding ends.

Describe the actions you’ll take to:

• Obtain future funding to secure match from non-federal sources.

• Become self-sufficient as a state, if federal funds are not available.

• Discuss challenges that you will likely encounter in sustaining the program, and your solutions.

Organizational information See merit review criterion 4: Resources and capabilities

• Briefly describe your mission, structure, and current activities.

◦ Explain how they meet program needs.

◦ Include an organizational chart.

• Discuss how you’ll follow the approved plan, manage federal funds, and record all costs to avoid negative audit findings.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 20 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-12.pdf

• Describe the organizations you will partner with to fulfill the program goals.

◦ Include key agreements Attachment 3 and letters of support in Attachment 6.

• Include a staffing plan and job descriptions for key staff in Attachment 4.

• Also include biographical sketches for key staff using the Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile form.

See Standard Forms.

Budget and budget narrative See merit review criterion 5: Support requested

Your budget should follow the instructions in section 3.1.4 of the R&R Application Guide and any specific instructions listed in this section.

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in the Research and Related Budget Form. See Other required standard forms. Your budget should show a well-organized plan. The merit review committee reviews both.

HHS now uses the definitions for equipment and supplies 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.

• Note: The State LRP does not allow for use of funds on equipment.

The budget narrative includes an itemized breakdown and a clear justification of the requested costs. As you develop your budget, consider:

• If the costs are reasonable 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 R&R Application Guide. Follow these additional instructions specific to this NOFO.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 21 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15 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(Supplies) https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=15

Attachments Place your PDF attachments in order in the Attachments form.

Attachment 1: Project organizational chart Required — Counts toward page limit.

Provide a one-page diagram that shows the project’s complete structure. Include all parts, not just your organization.

Attachment 2: Letters of agreement, memoranda of understanding, and contracts As applicable — Counts toward page limit.

• Provide documents that describe the working relationships between your organization and other organizations and programs you include in the proposal.

• Documents that confirm actual or pending agreements should clearly describe the roles of the contractors, partners, 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 all documents are signed and dated.

Attachment 3: Staffing plan and job descriptions Required — Counts toward page limit.

See Section 3.1.7 of the R&R Application Guide.

• Include a staffing plan with roles and key information about each.

◦ Justify your staffing choices, including education and qualifications, as well as your reasons for the amount of time you request for each position.

◦ For key personnel, attach a one-page job description.

▪ It must include the role, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Attachment 4: Sample contract Required — Does not count toward page limit.

• Provide a copy of a sample contract for State LRP participants.

◦ It should include a clear default provision.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 22 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=22

▪ This provision must match the rigorousness (i.e., is not more favorable than) of the NHSC loan repayment program’s default penalty in 42 U.S.C.

§ 254o(c)(1).

◦ Incorporate language that permits the State to adjust the participant’s service obligation if the provider no longer maintains qualifying educational debt due to participation in another loan forgiveness program (e.g., Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)). Specifically, the contract shall state that if a participant’s qualifying educational debt is reduced or eliminated by such programs, the State reserves the right to either prorate the service obligation accordingly or, at its sole discretion, void the contract entirely.

◦ We recommend including language in the contract that clearly states providers are not permitted to undertake multiple service obligations concurrently. Should a provider incur additional service obligations, the State reserves the right to void their State LRP contract and require full repayment of the award.

Attachment 5: Tables and charts As Applicable — Counts toward page limit.

Provide tables or charts that give more details about the proposal. These might be Gantt, PERT, or flow charts.

Attachment 6: Letters of support As Applicable — Counts toward page limit.

• You can provide letters of support from other organizations or departments involved in the proposed project.

• Letters of support can also be from individuals within your institution who have authority to speak for the organization, such as a CEO or chair.

• Recommenders should show they understand the project and their role in it.

• Recommenders should sign and date their letter of support.

Attachments 7- 15: Other relevant documents Provide any additional data, information, letters, memoranda, or reports that demonstrate how your project will meet State LRP program goals.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 23 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title42/pdf/USCODE-2023-title42-chap6A-subchapII-partD-subpartiii-sec254o.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title42/pdf/USCODE-2023-title42-chap6A-subchapII-partD-subpartiii-sec254o.pdf

Other required standard forms You will need to complete some other forms. Upload the forms listed at Grants.gov. You can find them in the NOFO application package or review them and any available instructions at Grants.gov Forms. See the application checklist for a full list of all application requirements.

Forms Submission Requirement

SF-424 R&R (Application for Federal Assistance) form

Yes, with application.

Research and Related Other Project Information

Yes, with application.

Standardized Work Plan (SWP) form Yes, with application.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form

Yes, with application.

Research and Related Budget form Yes, with application.

R&R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) Form Yes, with application, if applicable.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) Form

If applicable, with the application or before the award.

Form instructions SF-424 R&R Application For Federal Assistance Does not count toward the page limit

Follow the instructions for Application for Federal Assistance in section 3.1.1 of the R&R Application Guide.

Research and Related Other Project Information Only the project narrative counts toward the page limit

In addition to the requirements in the project narrative section, you will provide some additional information in this form.

• Complete sections 1 through 6.

• Upload a blank document in item 7: Project Summary/Abstract to avoid a cross-form error with your Project Abstract Summary Form.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 24 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=6 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=6

• Upload your project narrative in item 8.

• Leave items 9, 10, and 11 blank.

• If you have more than 10 subawards, you may use item 12 to add subaward budgets that could not fit in your R&R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) form.

Standardized Work Plan (SWP) Does not count toward the page limit

In addition to the requirements in project narrative, high-level work plan, follow these instructions:

• Submit your workplan through the SWP form.

◦ Provide a detailed work plan that shows your ability to implement a project of the proposed scope.

• Follow the instructions in the SWP form.

• Select your organizational priorities that best fit the objective.

• As specified in the NOFO, program goals must be copied as stated.

• Some program objectives might need to match the NOFO exactly.

Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Does not count toward the page limit

In addition to the requirements in Project Narrative, Organizational Information, follow these instructions.

• Include biographical sketches for people with key positions.

• Try to use no more than two pages per person.

• Do not include non-public, personally identifiable information.

• If you include someone you have not hired yet, include a letter of commitment from that person with their sketch.

• Upload sketches in this form.

• Include:

◦ Name and title.

◦ Education and training: Include institution and location, degree, date earned (if any), and field of study.

◦ Section A, Personal Statement: Briefly describe why they’re well-suited for their role.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 25 https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Standardized_Work_Plan-V1.0.pdf https://grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-terminology#p

◦ Section B, Positions and Honors: In chronological order, list previous and current roles, honors, and federal public advisory committee memberships.

◦ Section C, Other Support (optional): List ongoing and completed projects from the last three years, focusing on the most relevant. Briefly indicate the overall goals of the projects and related responsibilities.

◦ Other information: If applicable, include language skills and experience with target populations.

Please note, the R&R Application Guide states that biographical sketches count toward the page limit. However, they will not for this NOFO.

Research and Related Budget Only the budget narrative counts toward the page limit

In addition to the requirements in the budget and budget narrative section, follow these instructions:

Complete the Research and Related Budget Form. Follow the instructions in section

3.1.4 of the R&R Application Guide.

You will complete the form for each budget year for the proposed performance period.

After completing the first budget period in the form, you may click “Add Period” to move to the next.

R&R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) Form Counts toward the page limit*

You will also complete the R&R Subaward Budget Attachment form for each subaward you propose, including subcontracts. You will do this using the R&R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) form.

To complete the budget forms, follow the instructions in Grants.gov.

If you have more than 10 subawards, you may upload the extra budget forms in the Research and Related Other Project Information form in Block 12, “Other Attachments”.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form Does not count toward the page limit

Follow the instructions in Grants.gov.

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

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 26 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=43 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=13

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. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 27 https://www.usaspending.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-writing-award-descriptions.pdf

Step 4:

Learn About Review & Award

In this step

Application review 29

Selection process 32

Award notices 32

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

Also, we will not review any pages over 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. Purpose and need 15 points

2. Response 35 points

3. Impact 25 points

4. Resources and capabilities 10 points

5. Support requested 15 points

Criterion 1: Purpose and need (15 points) See Project Narrative Introduction and purpose, and Need sections.

The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Proposes a program with a strong public health impact on the target population.

• Describes the target population and current gaps in the dental, mental health and primary care workforce, including community health factors.

• Identifies gaps in healthcare and unmet workforce needs.

• Describes efforts to overcome barriers to participants’ access and success.

◦ These barriers might include economic stability, physical health, psychological health, and the physical and social environment.

◦ Participants include clinicians as program participants.

• Describes the current healthcare workforce capacity and trends.

Step 4: Learn About Review & Award 29

• Trends might be the adoption of artificial intelligence or telehealth, or maternal and child health efforts.

• Specifies disciplines and types of HPSAs to address.

Criterion 2: Response (35 points) See Project Narrative Approach, High-level work plan, and Resolving challenges sections.

Approach (15 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Proposes a project aligned with the program’s purpose.

• Proposes program goals and objectives linked to the project.

• Addresses the eligibility of disciplines, participants, and practice sites, as well as program administrative management and oversight.

High-Level Work Plan (10 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes activities that will solve the problem and achieve program goals.

• Creates a timeline for each activity and names responsible people.

◦ Also describes key stakeholders’ involvement and how they will contribute to planning, designing, and executing these activities.

• Explains strategies to meet the needs of underserved communities.

Resolution of Challenges (10 points)

• The panel will review your application for how well it describes the obstacles you may face during project design and implementation, and your solutions.

Criterion 3: Impact (25 points) See Project Narrative Performance reporting and evaluation and Sustainability sections.

Performance reporting and evaluation (10 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes plans to share results national in scope, or for others to replicate.

• Shows effective methods to monitor and evaluate results.

• Includes measures to assess goals and achievement level.

• Presents a plan for accurate, timely data collection and management.

Step 4: Learn About Review & Award 30

• Describes your process to collect, manage, store, and report NPI numbers for eligible participants.

• Proposes using data for continuous improvement, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Anticipates evaluation obstacles and proposes solutions.

Sustainability (15 points) The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Proposes a plan to continue the project after federal funding ends.

• Describes potential challenges in sustaining the program and offers logical solutions.

Criterion 4: Resources and capabilities (10 points) See Project Narrative Organizational information and Performance reporting and evaluation sections.

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

• Project staff are trained and experienced for this project.

• You have the skills needed for the proposed project.

• You have the facilities required for the project.

Criterion 5: Support requested (15 points) See Budget and budget narrative section.

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

• Your budget is reasonable, including whether it matches federal funds dollar-for-dollar each year of the period of performance.

• Costs and required resources align with the program’s scope.

• Key staff have enough time to dedicate to the program to meet the goals.

• Your organization has a history of using funds appropriately.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review & Award 31

• 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.

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 45 CFR 75.205.

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

• The available funds.

• Assessed risk.

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

We may:

• Fund out of rank order.

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

• Choose to fund no applications under this NOFO.

Award notices We issue Notices of Award (NOA) on or around the start date listed in the NOFO. See Section 4 of the R&R Application Guide for more information.

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

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

Step 4: Learn About Review & Award 32 https://sam.gov/content/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-75.205 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page=31

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 34

Application checklist 36

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 your SAM.gov registration, you must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations, and specifically with regard to grants.

Make sure that your SAM.gov registration is accurate for both contracts and grants, as these registrations differ. See information on getting registered. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Deadlines Application You must submit your application by January 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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

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.

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

Step 5: Submit Your Application 34 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://www.grants.gov/system-to-system/applicant-system-to-system/ https://www.grants.gov/system-to-system/applicant-system-to-system/

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. Prepare 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 5: Submit Your Application 35 https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html

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

Form See Instructions Included in page limit*?

Project Abstract Summary Project Abstract No

Research and Related Other Project Information Project narrative and Form instructions

Only the attached project narrative

Research and Related Budget Budget and budget narrative and Form instructions

Only the attached project narrative

Attachments include: Attachments

1-Project organizational chart Yes

2-Letters of agreement, MOUs, and contracts Yes

3-Staffing plan and job descriptions Yes

4-Sample contract Yes

5-Tables and charts Yes

6-Letters of support Yes

7-15-Other relevant documents. If you have additional material to submit, such as explanations of mandatory disclosures, you can use this form.

Yes

Other required forms No

SF-424 R&R (Application for Federal Assistance) Form instructions No

Standardized Work Plan (SWP) form Project narrative , High-level work plan and Form instructions

No

Step 5: Submit Your Application 36

Form See Instructions Included in page limit*?

Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form

Project narrative , Organizational information and Form instructions

No

R & R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) Form instructions Yes*

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) Form instructions No

*Only what you attach in addition to these forms counts toward the page limit. The form itself does not count.

Step 5: Submit Your Application 37

Step 6:

Learn What Happens After Award

In this step

Post-award requirements and administration 39

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. We incorporate this NOFO by reference.

• The regulations at 45 CFR part 75, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards, or any superseding regulations. Effective October 1, 2024, HHS adopted the following superseding provisions:

◦ 2 CFR 200.1, Definitions, Modified Total Direct Cost.

◦ 2 CFR 200.1, Definitions, Equipment.

◦ 2 CFR 200.1, Definitions, Supply.

◦ 2 CFR 200.313(e), Equipment, Disposition.

◦ 2 CFR 200.314(a), Supplies.

◦ 2 CFR 200.320, Methods of procurement to be followed.

◦ 2 CFR 200.333, Fixed amount subawards.

◦ 2 CFR 200.344, Closeout.

◦ 2 CFR 200.414(f), Indirect (F&A) costs.

◦ 2 CFR 200.501, Audit requirements.

• 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 Notice of Award.

• All federal statutes and regulations relevant to federal financial assistance, including those highlighted in HHS Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

• See the requirements for performance management in 2 CFR 200.301.

• See the requirements for performance management in 2 CFR 200.301.

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

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 39 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-75 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/part-200#p-200.1(Equipment) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Supplies) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.313(e) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.314(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.320 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.333 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.344 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.501 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-grants-policy-statement-october-2024.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-administrative-national-policy-requirements.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-administrative-national-policy-requirements.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.301 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.301

Cybersecurity You must create a cybersecurity plan if your project involves both of the following conditions:

• You have ongoing access to HHS information or technology systems.

• You handle personal identifiable information (PII) or personal health information (PHI) from HHS.

You must base the plan on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.