HHS-2026-IHS-NIHOE-0001-v6 Final.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Monday, November 2, 2026

Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs

National Indian Health Outreach and Education Opportunity number: HHS-2026-IHS-NIHOE-0001

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 9

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15

Get registered 16

Find the application package 17

Step 3: Build Your Application 18

Application checklist 19

Application contents and format 21

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 30

Application review 31

Step 5: Submit Your Application 34

Application submission and deadlines 35

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 37

Post-award requirements and administration 38

Contacts and Support 40

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 Monday, November 2, 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. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 9

Basic information Indian Health Service (IHS)

Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs

Improving healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives through outreach and education.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts Opportunity name:

National Indian Health Outreach and Education

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-IHS-

NIHOE-0001

Assistance listing:

93.00L

NOFO version: Original

Key dates Application submission deadline:

November 2, 2026

Expected award date:

January 1, 2027

Expected earliest start date:

January 1, 2027

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

Summary The National Indian Health Outreach and Education (NIHOE) Program is a competitive cooperative agreement. The NIHOE Program was established to provide health outreach and education for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Competition Type: New

Expected total program funding: The total funding for fiscal year (FY) 2026 is approximately $1,101,311. We anticipate the following estimates:

• $246,311 for Line Item 128, health care education and outreach (this amount could vary based on Tribal shares assumptions).

• $150,000 for substance abuse and suicide prevention activities.

• $50,000 for domestic violence prevention activities.

• $75,000 for providing education, outreach, and communication on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.

• $100,000 for tribal budget formulation activities.

• $230,000 for Rural Health Transformation review and outreach and education on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

• $250,000 for youth advisory activities.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Expected number of awards: We anticipate issuing one award under this NOFO.

Funding range per applicant for the first budget period:

$246,311 to $1,101,311.

We expect to fund projects in three 1-year budget periods for a total period of performance of 3 years.

Continuation funding depends on the availability of funds and agency budget priorities.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

Applicants must demonstrate the organizational capacity, expertise, and partnerships necessary to conduct health outreach, education, training, and technical assistance serving AI/AN communities. To be eligible for this funding opportunity, you must be:

Nonprofit

• A 501(c)(3) organization such as:

◦ Accredited colleges and universities.

◦ Tribal colleges and universities.

◦ Academic medical centers.

◦ Schools of public health.

◦ Research institutions.

◦ Nonprofit organizations with relevant expertise.

◦ Consortia and collaborative partnerships.

◦ Other organizations capable of serving AI/AN populations consistent with statutory authority.

Government

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments

You must provide proof of nonprofit status. See attachments.

Eligibility exceptions

• Individuals, including sole proprietorships and foreign organizations, are not eligible.

• We do not fund concurrent projects under this program. If you get an award under this announcement, we can’t later fund you under a subsequent opportunity for the same program while this award is active.

See statutory authority.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Other eligibility criteria Applications submitted on behalf of individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign organizations are not eligible. They will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity.

If needed, we encourage applicants to meet program requirements through partnerships, subawards, consortium arrangements, or formal collaborative agreements.

Completeness and responsiveness criteria We will review your application to make sure it meets these requirements.

• Is from an organization that meets all eligibility criteria.

• Does not exceed the page limits for project narrative and budget narrative.

• Does not exceed the amount of the funding range.

• Is not submitted after the deadline.

• Includes a draft or final tribal resolution.

• Is current with all audit requirements. See audit documentation for materials to submit.

• If your application does not meet these requirements, we will not consider it.

Application limits We do not fund concurrent projects. If you get funding under this NOFO, you will not get funding under any future applications in the same program.

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement, meaning you do not need to contribute to the costs of this project.

If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we won’t consider it during our review. If you receive an award, we will include your voluntary commitment in the award, and you must report on the funds.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

Program description Background The IHS provides quality healthcare, consistent with its statutory authorities and its government-to-government relationship with each American Indian tribe. The IHS mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) to the highest level. To further mission success, the IHS seeks support on a national scale to collaborate with local communities, not-for-profit organizations, universities and schools, foundations, businesses, and federal agencies. This effort will foster outreach and education that:

• Broadcasts educational information to all AI/AN people.

• Provides technical assistance that increases health education for AI/AN people and leaders.

Purpose The purpose of this NOFO is to further the IHS mission and goals related to providing quality healthcare to the AI/AN community through outreach and education. Our focus is on promoting awareness, visibility, training, technical assistance, and education in the following components:

• Health education and outreach.

• Rural Health Transformation review and outreach and education on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

• Substance abuse and suicide prevention.

• Domestic violence prevention.

• Special diabetes program for American Indians.

• Tribal budget formulation activities.

• Tribal youth health advisory activities.

The goal is to provide information that improves health outcomes to Tribes and Tribal communities that receive services from the IHS (direct service tribes) and tribes/tribal organizations that either:

• Administer programs and services the IHS would otherwise provide through an Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) Title I Self-Determination Contract.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

• Control health care programs and services that the IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title V Self-Governance Compact).

Required, optional, and allowable activities Your workplan should include approaches that align with the purpose and:

• Promote healthy behaviors and improved health literacy among AI/AN communities.

• Provide health knowledge and contribute to health-promoting decisions.

Pre-conference award requirements If you receive an award you must follow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy on Promoting Efficient Spending: Use of Appropriated Funds for Conferences and Meeting Space, Food, Promotional Items, and Printing and Publications. This policy applies to funded conferences.

You will also provide additional information in your budget narrative. See budget justification for conferences.

Cooperative agreement terms Cooperative agreements use the same policies as grants. The difference is that IHS will have substantial involvement in the project during the entire period of performance. The next section describes our level of involvement.

Substantial agency involvement description for cooperative agreement IHS will assign a program official to collaborate closely with you, as a recipient, throughout the performance period.

Decision-making The program official will work in partnership with you on all decisions involving:

• Strategy.

• Hiring.

• Deploying resources.

• Releasing public information materials.

• Quality assurance.

• Coordinating activities.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/efficient-spending/index.html?language=es.

• Any training, reports, budget, and evaluation. This includes data analysis, interpretation of findings, and reporting.

Progress and reporting The program official will monitor your overall progress in executing of the requirements of this NOFO, as well as how well you adhere to the terms and conditions. They will provide guidance for required reporting, developing tools and other products, interpreting program findings, assisting with evaluation, and overcoming any slippages in progress.

Coordination The program official will coordinate:

• Routinely scheduled conference calls.

• Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each participating IHS program.

Additional collaboration with IHS IHS will also work with the recipient to jointly plan and set agendas for events that:

• Share the outcomes of the outreach and health education training provided.

• Foster collaboration amongst participating IHS program offices.

• The IHS may help you prepare articles on program success, lessons learned, or new finding for publication, presentation, or both. Agency staff will review articles concerning HHS for accuracy and, if you request, provide relevant articles.

• Facilitate communication with IHS and Tribes/Tribal leaders on health systems (including public health systems), health programs, and health care policies.

• Foster engagement with youth advisory committees focused on elevating health programs, and health care policies.

The IHS will let you know about any site visits, by individuals or the collective (all participating programs), in routine conference calls and meetings.

Optional support At your request:

• IHS will provide technical assistance.

• Agency staff may participate in study groups, attend board meetings, and recommend topics for analysis and discussion.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

Funding policies and limitations Limitations

• Pre-award costs are allowable up to 90 days before the start date of the award, provided the costs are otherwise allowable if awarded. If you incur pre-award costs, you do so at your own risk.

• The purchase of food is not an allowable cost.

For guidance on some types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see 2 CFR part 200 subpart E, General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost.

All activities proposed in your application and budget narrative must align with applicable law, including but not limited to statutes, executive orders, federal regulations, and applicable judicial holdings.

Accordingly, discretionary awards shall not be used to fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate; racial preferences or other forms of racial discrimination by the recipient, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation; denial by the recipient of the sex binary in humans, or the belief that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic; illegal immigration; or any other initiatives that compromise public safety. If an application does not align, the application will not receive funding to the extent permitted by law and applicable court orders.

Policies We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• Total award funds include both direct and indirect costs.

• Each applicant can receive only one award under this program.

• Support beyond the first budget year will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

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

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E

Salary rate limitation The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program.

As of January 2026, the salary rate limitation is $228,000.

Program income If you earn any money from your award-supported project activities (known as program income), you must use it for the purposes and under the conditions of the award. 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/section-200.307

Indirect costs Indirect costs are those shared across multiple projects and not easily separated.

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

Method 1 — Approved rate. If you currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency, you may use that rate.

Usually, IHS recipients negotiate their rates with the HHS Division of Cost Allocation or the Department of the Interior, Interior Business Center. For questions about the indirect cost policy, write to DGM@ihs.gov.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. Recipients and subrecipients that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)) of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See the definition of MTDC (2 CFR 200.1).

You can use this rate indefinitely.

If you choose this method, you must not charge costs included in the indirect cost pool as direct costs.

Statutory authority This program is authorized under the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001(a); the Indian Health Care Improvement Act at 25 U.S.C. 1621b;

and Section 330C of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c-3.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/asa/psc/indirect-cost-negotiations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/asa/psc/indirect-cost-negotiations/index.html https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/indirect-cost mailto:DGM@ihs.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC))

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Get registered 16

Find the application package 17

Get registered You must be registered in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov to apply. You can review the requirements and get started on developing your application before your registrations are complete.

SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. 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 for the information you will need to register.

• You must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations specifically. Those for contracts are different.

When you register, you will also receive your required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Once you register:

• You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

• If your organization has multiple UEIs, use the one associated with your physical location.

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.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it at this NOFO’s Grants.gov opportunity page.

We recommend that you select the Subscribe button from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO to get updates.

If you cannot use Grants.gov to download application materials or have other technical difficulties, including issues with application submission, contact Grants.gov for assistance.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 17 https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.grants.gov/support

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 19

Application contents and format 21

Application checklist This checklist includes every component you will need to submit a complete application:

Narratives Component Grants.gov form Page limit

Project summary Use the Project Abstract Summary form. 1 page

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form. 15 pages

Budget narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form. None

Attachments Insert each in a single Other Attachments form.

Component Page limit

Work plan chart None

Consultant/contractor scope of work and letter of commitment None

Proof of nonprofit status None

Indirect cost agreement None

Biographical sketches None

Audit documentation None

Step 3: Build Your Application 19

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

Component Page limit

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) None

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) None

Assurance for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) None

Project/Performance Site Location None

Grants.gov Lobbying form None

Key Contacts None

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) None

Step 3: Build Your Application 20

Application contents and format Applications include narratives, attachments, and other required forms. This section includes guidance on each.

Your organization’s authorized official must certify your application.

We will provide instructions on document formats in the following sections.

If you do not provide the required documents, your application is incomplete. See completeness and responsiveness criteria to understand what may disqualify your application from consideration.

Project summary Provide a self-contained summary of your proposed project, including the purpose and expected outcomes. Do not include any proprietary or confidential information. We use this information when we receive public information requests about funded projects.

Required format for project and budget narrative

Font size: 12-point font Footnotes, tables, and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Font color: Black

Spacing: Single-spaced

Margins: 1-inch

Size: 8.5 by 11 inches Include consecutive page numbers.

Formats: While the forms for project and budget narratives are PDF, you may upload Word, Excel, or PDF files to those forms.

Step 3: Build Your Application 21

Project narrative Page limit: 15 pages

Filename: Project narrative

To create your project narrative:

• Follow the headings in the project narrative components table in order.

• Use the scoring criteria in this section to determine what you need to include.

• Describe your proposed project and activities for the full period of performance.

• Stay within the page limit of 15. Applicants who exceed the recommended page limits will receive reduced scores during the merit review process.

Table: Project narrative components

Heading Recommended page limit Points

Introduction and need for assistance 2 pages 15 points

Project objectives, work plan, and approach 8 pages 40 points

Program evaluation 3 pages 20 points

Organizational capabilities, key personnel, and qualifications 2 pages 15 points

Project narrative scoring criteria Introduction and need for assistance Maximum points: 15

• Describe your organizational capability to provide health education and technical assistance to meet the health needs of the AI/AN community. Also, demonstrate your relevant experience working with federal, state, Tribal, academic, or nonprofit entities. Include:

◦ Information on the technologies you currently use (i.e., hardware, software, services, websites, etc.). Identify the source(s) of technical support for them (i.e., in-house staff, contractors, vendors, etc.).

◦ How long you have been operating and the length of your association or partnerships with area health boards, etc.

• Describe your organization’s current technical assistance ability. Include:

Step 3: Build Your Application 22

◦ The programs and services you currently provide.

◦ Programs and services you are projected to provide.

• Describe your ability to reach intended audiences as described in the Purpose section.

• Describe how you will continue to develop and provide health care information with the proposed project. (We won’t accept copies of reports.)

• Explain the need or reason for your proposed projects.

• Identify specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure that you will address.

◦ Explain how you have assessed these gaps or weaknesses.

• Describe the effect of your proposed projects on current programs (i.e., federally-funded, state-funded, etc.) and, if applicable, on current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.).

◦ Include the effect of your proposed projects on planned or anticipated programs, equipment, or both.

• Describe how your projects relate to this NOFO’s purpose.

• Identify how your proposed projects will address outreach and education for all seven components described in the Purpose section.

Project objectives, work plan, and approach Maximum points: 40

• Identify the proposed objective(s) for each of the seven components.

Objectives should be:

◦ Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.

◦ Results-oriented.

◦ Time-limited. For example: Issue quarterly newsletters, provide alerts, and quantify the number of contacts with Tribes.

◦ Feasible and attainable.

• Address how the proposed projects will change or improve program operations or processes for each objective. Address what tangible products, if any, are expected from the projects ( i.e., outreach events, summits, etc.).

• Describe how well the proposed projects will provide, improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target population.

• Submit a work plan that includes:

◦ A timeline with action steps for accomplishing the proposed project’s objective(s).

Step 3: Build Your Application 23

◦ Who will perform the action steps.

◦ Who will supervise the action steps.

◦ What products will be produced throughout the proposed project’s objectives.

◦ Who will accept or approve work products for the duration of the projects and at the end.

◦ Any training(s) that will take place during the proposed projects and who will attend them.

◦ Evaluation activities.

• If you will use consultants, subject matter experts, or contractors, please include the following (or note if consultants, subject matter experts, or contractors will not be used):

◦ Educational requirements.

◦ Desired qualifications and work experience.

◦ A timeline with the work products they are expected to deliver.

◦ If you have already identified a potential consultant, subject matter experts, or contractor, please include their resume.

• Describe any updates required for the continued success of the proposed projects.

◦ Include when you anticipate these updates and how they will be funded.

Program evaluation Maximum points: 20

• Submit an illustrative logic model showing a visual program representation, starting from the inputs or resources, specific interventions, outputs, and intended outcomes.

• For outcome evaluation, describe:

◦ The criteria for determining the success of each objective.

◦ The data you will collect to determine whether the objective was met.

◦ How often the outcome-level data will be collected so you can measure the program objectives.

◦ Who will collect the data. Include their qualifications.

◦ How the data will be analyzed.

◦ How the results will be used.

• For process evaluation, describe:

Step 3: Build Your Application 24

◦ How each project will be monitored and assessed for potential problems and necessary quality improvements.

◦ Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing each project’s improvements, based on the results of regular evaluations. Include their qualifications.

◦ How ongoing monitoring will be used to improve the projects.

◦ Any products or outputs, such as manuals or policies, that might be developed and the approach you will use to determine if they can be replicated by others.

◦ How you will document what is learned in each year of the projects.

• Describe any evaluation efforts planned before, during, or after the period of performance has ended.

• Describe how the AI/AN population you serve will benefit from these projects.

Organizational capabilities, key personnel, and qualifications Maximum points: 15

• Describe the organizational structure, beyond healthcare activities, if applicable.

• Describe the organization’s ability to manage the proposed projects. Include information on projects that are similar in scope and financial assistance, as well as other cooperative agreements or grants and projects you’ve successfully completed.

• Describe the equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) that will be available to you during the proposed projects. Include any equipment you will need, that’s not currently available, and that you’ll purchase with funding from this NOFO.

• List key personnel who will work on the projects. Include:

◦ The title used in the work plans.

◦ Position descriptions and resumes.

Position descriptions should clearly describe each position and duties, indicating the desired qualifications and experience requirements for the proposed projects.

Resumes must indicate that the proposed staff members are qualified to carry out the proposed projects’ activities. If a position needs to be filled, indicate that on the proposed position description.

• If personnel will be only partially funded by this funding opportunity:

Step 3: Build Your Application 25

◦ Indicate the percentage of time they will allocate to the projects.

◦ Identify the resources you will use to fund the remainder of the individual’s salary.

Budget narrative Page limit: None

Filename: Budget narrative

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form 424-A. See other required forms.

It includes added detail and justifies the costs you ask for. 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.

• The scoring criteria in this section.

Be sure to do the following in your budget narrative:

• Show each line item in your SF-424A, organized by budget category.

• Provide the information for the entire period of performance, broken down by year.

• For each line item, describe:

◦ How the costs support achieving the project’s proposed objectives.

◦ How you calculated or arrived at the cost.

• Take care to explain each item in the “other” category and why you need it.

• Do not use the budget narrative to expand your project narrative.

• Do not exceed the funding range.

• Do not exceed the page limit. Applicants who exceed the recommended page limits will receive reduced scores during the merit review process.

If you like, you can also include a spreadsheet that provides more detail than the SF-424A. If you do, we will not count it toward the page limit.

Budget justification for conferences You must provide a separate detailed budget justification for each conference you anticipate. In your justification, you must address these cost categories:

• Contract or planner.

Step 3: Build Your Application 26

• Meeting space or venue.

• Registration website.

• Audiovisual.

• Speakers’ fees.

• Non-federal attendee travel.

• Registration fees.

• Other.

Budget scoring criteria Categorical budget and budget justification Maximum points: 10

• Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget periods, for each of the seven components.

• If you are claiming indirect costs, indicate them and apply the current negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement.

• Explain in the budget narrative why each line item is necessary or relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient cost and other details to help us determine cost allowability (i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).

Attachments You will upload attachments in Grants.gov using a single Other Attachments form.

Work plan chart Attach a one-page work plan chart or timetable that summarizes the work plan in your project description by outlining your activities and outcomes.

The work plan should include activities for the entire period of performance.

Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter of commitment (if applicable) Attach a proposed scope of work and letter of commitment for any consultants or contractors you will need for this project.

Proof of nonprofit status If your organization is a nonprofit, you need to attach proof. We will accept any of the following:

Step 3: Build Your Application 27

• A copy of a current tax exemption certificate from the IRS.

• A letter from your state’s tax department, attorney general, or another state official saying that your group is a nonprofit and that none of your net earnings go to private shareholders or others.

• A certified copy of your certificate of incorporation. This document must show that your group is a nonprofit.

• Any of the above for a parent organization. Also include a statement signed by an official of the parent group stating that your organization is a nonprofit affiliate.

Indirect cost agreement If you include indirect costs in your budget using an approved rate, include a copy of your current agreement approved by your cognizant agency for indirect costs. If you use the de minimis rate, you do not need to submit this attachment.

Biographical sketches For key personnel, attach biographical sketches for positions that are filled. If a position is not filled, attach a short description of the position and its qualifications.

Letter of support Attach letters of support from your organization’s board of directors, if relevant, and for any key partners collaborating and named in your proposal.

Audit documentation You must provide documentation of required audits. You can submit either of the following:

• Email confirmation from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) showing that you submitted the audits.

• Face sheets from audit reports. You can find these on the FAC website.

• Missing or delinquent audits will disqualify your application from consideration.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 28 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Cognizant%20agency%20for%20indirect%20costs) https://facdissem.census.gov/

Other required forms You will need to complete some required forms at Grants.gov. You can find them in the NOFO application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms.

Forms Submission Requirement

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

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

Project/Performance Site Location With application

Grants.gov Lobbying form With application.

Key Contacts With application

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

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 [PDF].

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 29 https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family 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 31

Application review Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets both the completeness criteria and the responsiveness criteria. If your application does not meet these criteria, we will not move it to the merit review phase.

Scoring process The Review Committee reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use the criteria in the project narrative and budget narrative sections in Step 3.

We will send your authorized official an Executive Summary Statement within 30 days after we complete reviews. This statement will outline the strengths and weaknesses of your application.

Criteria summary

Criterion Total number of points = 100

1. Introduction and need for assistance 15 points

2. Project objectives, work plan, and approach 40 points

3. Program evaluation 20 points

4. Organizational capabilities, key personnel, and qualifications 15 points

5. Budget narrative 10 points

We do not consider voluntary cost sharing during scoring.

Risk review Before making an award, we review the risk that you will mismanage federal funds or fail to complete the project objectives. We need to make sure you have handled any past federal awards well and demonstrated sound business practices.

We use SAM.gov Responsibility/Qualification to check this history for all awards likely to be over $250,000. We also check Exclusions.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 31 https://sam.gov/entity-information

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

You can see more details about risk review at 2 CFR 200.206.

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

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

• The larger portfolio of agency-funded projects, including the project type and geographic distribution.

• The past performance of the applicant. We may choose not to fund applicants with management or financial problems.

• We may:

◦ Fund applications in whole or in part.

◦ Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

◦ Decide not to allow a recipient to subaward if they may not be able to monitor and manage subrecipients properly.

◦ Choose to fund no applications under this NOFO.

Funding for alignment with agency priorities Before we make final funding decisions, Division of Grants Management leadership will review all potential awards. They will check for:

* Adherence to applicable laws.

* Alignment to agency priorities (HHS Priorities | HHS.gov).

To the extent allowed by law and court orders, we will give a funding priority to applications that align with agency priorities.

For example, your application may receive this priority if it includes program-specific activities.

See the policy alignment section of the merit review criteria.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 32 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.hhs.gov/about/priorities/index.html

Award notices After we review and select applications for award, we will let you know the outcome.

Unsuccessful applications We will email you or write you a letter if your application is disqualified or unsuccessful.

Approved but unfunded applications It is possible that we could approve your application, but do not have enough funds to make an award. If so, we will hold your application for one year. If funding becomes available during the year, we may reconsider funding your application.

Approved applications If you are successful, we will create a Notice of Award (NoA). You will need a GrantSolutions user account to retrieve your NoA.

The NoA is the only official award document. The NoA tells you about the amount of the award, important dates, and the terms and conditions you need to follow.

Until you receive the NoA, you do not have permission to start work.

By drawing down funds, you accept the terms and conditions of the award. The award incorporates the requirements of the program and funding authorities, the grant regulations, the GPS, and the NOFO.

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

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 33 https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

Application submission and deadlines 35

Application submission and deadlines See find the application package to make sure you have everything you need.

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI requirements. See get registered. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Deadline You must submit your application by Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:59PM

ET.

See exemptions for paper submissions.

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

If you submit the same application more than once, we will accept the last on-time submission.

The grants management officer may extend an application due date based on emergency situations such as documented natural disasters or a verifiable widespread disruption of electric or mail service.

Process You must submit your application through Grants.gov. See get registered.

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.

See Contacts and Support if you need help.

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

Step 5: Submit Your Application 35

Exemptions If you cannot submit through Grants.gov, you must request a waiver at least one day before the application due date. Send your waiver request to DGM@ihs.gov.

Include a clear justification for your need to deviate from the required application submission process and documentation such as a screenshot of the system error or copy of the email reporting the issue to Grants.gov. Failure to register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov in a timely way is not cause for a waiver. We will not accept applications outside of Grants.gov without an approved waiver.

We will email you if we approve your waiver. This notification will include submission instructions. If we approve your waiver, we must receive your application by 5 pm ET on the application deadline.

Intergovernmental review Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs does not apply to this NOFO. You do not need to take any action.

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

Step 5: Submit Your Application 36 mailto:DGM@ihs.gov https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html

Step 6:

Learn What Happens

After Award

Post-award requirements and administration 38

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 rules listed in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements, effective October 1, 2025. These replace those in 45 CFR 75, with some exceptions in 2 CFR 300.

• The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) [PDF]. This document has terms and conditions tied to your award. 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 the HHS Administrative and National Policy Requirements [PDF].

• All anti-discrimination laws: By applying for or accepting federal funds from HHS, recipients certify compliance with all federal antidiscrimination laws and these requirements and that complying with those laws is a material condition of receiving federal funding streams. Recipients are responsible for ensuring subrecipients, contractors, and partners also comply.

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

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 38 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-grants-policy-statement-april-2025.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

Reporting If you receive an award, you will have to submit financial and performance reports.

If you are successful, you will have to submit financial and performance reports and possibly reports on specific types of activities. Your Notice of Award outlines the specific requirements and deadlines. To learn more about reporting, see:

• Performance Progress Reports

• Progress Report Requirements

• Financial Reporting

If your award includes funds for a conference, you must submit a report for all conferences.

If you don’t submit your reports on time, we could:

• Suspend or terminate your award.

• Withhold payments.

• Move you to a reimbursement payment method.

• Withhold future awards.

• Take other enforcement actions.

• Impose special award conditions if the situation continues.

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

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 39 https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/training1/PPR/ https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/training1/PPR/ https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/training1/finrpt/

Contacts and Support

In this step

Agency contacts 41

Help with systems 41

Reference websites 42

Agency contacts Program and eligibility Kenneth Coriz 301-443-5668 Kenneth.Coriz@ihs.gov

Grants management and financial DGM@ihs.gov

Review process and application status DGM@ihs.gov

Help with systems Grants.gov Grants.gov provides 24/7 support. Hold on to your ticket number.

• Phone: 1-800-518-4726

• Email: support@grants.gov

If problems persist, contact the Office of Grants Management at DGM@ihs.gov at least 10 days before the application due date.

SAM.gov If you need help, you can:

• Call 866-606-8220.

• Live chat with the Federal Service Desk.

GrantSolutions For help, contact the GrantSolutions help desk:

• Phone: 866-577-0771

• E-mail: help@grantsolutions.gov.

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

Contacts and Support 41 mailto:Kenneth.Coriz@ihs.gov mailto:DGM@ihs.gov mailto:DGM@ihs.gov mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:DGM@ihs.gov https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov

Reference websites

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Division of Grants Management | Indian Health Service (IHS)

• Grants Training Tools | Division of Grants Management (ihs.gov)

• Grants.gov Accessibility Information

• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

• United States Code (U.S.C.)

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

Contacts and Support 42 http://www.hhs.gov/ https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_funding https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/training1/ https://www.grants.gov/accessibility-compliance http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/

Cost sharing

Find the application package

Reference websites