hrsa-26-061_Final.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due 07/08/2026

HIV/AIDS Bureau

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

Part C Capacity Development

Program

Opportunity number: HRSA-26-061

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 13

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16

Get registered 17

Find the application package 17

Application writing help 18

Step 3: Build Your Application 19

Application checklist 20

Application contents and format 22

Step 4: Understand Review, Selection, and Award 31

Application review 32

Selection process 36

Award notices 38

Step 5: Submit Your Application 39

Application submission and deadlines 40

Other submissions 40

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 41

Post-award requirements and administration 42

Reporting 46

Contacts and Support 47

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 07/08/2026.

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.

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.

https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

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

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Award information 13

Basic information Health Resources Services Administration

HIV/AIDS Bureau

Strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce HIV transmission, especially for people not yet in regular HIV care.

Summary The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) provides a comprehensive system of HIV care that improves health outcomes and supports HIV viral suppression.

The purpose of the RWHAP Part C Capacity Development Program is to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce

HIV transmission, especially for people not yet in regular HIV care. The focus of this Part

C program is on infrastructure.

This capacity development funding offers a one-year opportunity to carry out one short-term activity in FY 2026.

Funding details Application types: New

Expected total available funding in FY26: $9,000,000

Expected number and type of awards: 60 G (Grants)

Funding range per award: Up to $150,000

We plan to fund awards in one 12-month budget period for a total one-year period of performance from 09/01/2026 to 08/31/2027.

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

Have questions?

Go to Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Ryan White HIV/AIDS

Program Part C Capacity

Development Program

Opportunity number:

HRSA-26-061

Announcement version:

Initial

Federal assistance listing:

93.918

Key dates

NOFO issue date:

06/05/2026

Informational webinar:

See Join the webinar

Application deadline:

07/08/2026

Expected award date is by:

09/01/2026

Expected start date:

09/01/2026

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

Eligibility You can apply if your organization is in the United States.

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

• State governments.

• County governments.

• City or township governments.

• Special district governments.

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).

• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments).

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

• Private institutions of higher education.

Additional information on eligibility Individuals are not eligible applicants under this NOFO.

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

We will not consider an application that:

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

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

• Is submitted after the deadline.

• Does not propose one of the three activities listed as described in the Program

Requirements and Expectations section. The three available activities in this announcement are: 1. Electronic Health Record and Data Integration, 2.

Telehealth, or 3. Office dental equipment for expanding service capacity.

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

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement. If you choose to share in the costs of the project, we will not consider it during merit review. Recipients agree that once committed, cost sharing amounts are enforceable and subject to reporting and auditing requirements under 2 CFR 200.

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.

Program description Purpose This one-year capacity development funding opportunity is intended to strengthen organizational capacity to develop, enhance, or expand access to high quality HIV care and treatment for low-income people with HIV, especially for people not yet in regular

HIV care.

HRSA intends to fund one short-term activity under this program that can be completed by the end of the one-year period of performance.

Goal alignment Proposed projects must:

• Align with program goals.

• Address unmet needs or gaps in care for people with HIV.

• Establish activities that represent a meaningful addition to your existing program.

• Support improved health outcomes for people with HIV.

For additional information, please refer to Policy Clarification Notice (PCN) 16-02 for a list of RWHAP allowable services and use of funds.

For more details, see Program requirements and expectations.

Background The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) has five statutorily defined Parts that provide grants to states, cities, counties, local clinics, and community-based organizations. The grants fund medical care, medication, and essential support services, to meet the needs of people with HIV and family members affected by HIV.

Together these grants provide a comprehensive system of care to ensure low-income people with HIV have access to services for early diagnosis of HIV, linkage to care, medically appropriate treatment, retention in care, and sustained viral suppression (a very low or undetectable amount of HIV in the blood).

For nearly four decades, the RWHAP has funded services to provide HIV primary health care, medication, and essential support services, including mental health care, transportation, case management, nutrition, and housing. These services support https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/grants/service-category-pcn-16-02-final.pdf clients to enter and remain in care, access medications, and reach viral suppression, reducing transmission and lowering health care costs.

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

Making America Healthy Again The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program helps advance the Making America Healthy Again

(MAHA) priorities by:

• Expanding access to primary care for people with HIV, particularly those with low incomes, and by strengthening the health workforce.

• Fighting the chronic disease epidemic by providing HIV medical care, treatment, and support services to people with HIV.

• Supporting improved nutrition by providing patient-centered focused medical nutrition therapy and food services.

• Supporting disease prevention through HIV care and treatment services that help people reach viral suppression so they live longer, healthier lives and do not transmit HIV.

Key accomplishments

• Nearly 602,000 people with HIV in the U.S. received life-saving care, medication, and essential support services through the RWHAP, representing over half of all diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. This is an increase of nearly 26,000 clients.

• More than 91% of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program patients receiving HIV medical care were virally suppressed in 2024. This is up from 69.5% of patients virally suppressed in 2010 and significantly higher than the 67.2% virally suppressed nationally among all people with diagnosed HIV.

• More than 47% of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clients are aged 50 years and older, demonstrating the program’s success in supporting older clients and its commitment to addressing the unique needs of people aging with HIV.

https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html

Program requirements and expectations You must show:

• That the proposed activity will strengthen organizational capacity.

• Your organization’s intent and ability to maintain services, activities or equipment that were either purchased by, or are a direct result of, this federal award.

• Coordinating with other relevant HHS and HRSA providers to avoid duplicating efforts.

You must select only one activity.

You may submit a proposal for only one activity from the list of activities below. Do not submit a proposal that includes more than one activity.

The goal of these activities is to enhance an organization’s infrastructure to better serve people with HIV.

• Activity 1: Electronic Health Record and Data Coordination

• Activity 2: Telehealth

• Activity 3: Dental equipment for expanding dental service capacity

Brief summaries of each activity

Activity 1: Electronic Health Record and Data Coordination Improving how Electronic Health Records (EHR) connect with HIV data systems helps reduce duplicate data entry, increases the accuracy of data collection and reporting, and improves care coordination and tracking of referrals.

If you select this activity, funding may be used to purchase software to interface

CAREWare (or other HIV data collection systems) with an existing EHR system.

Activities can include:

• Improving the accuracy and efficiency of data collection.

• Creating workflows to reduce administrative burden.

• Verifying and cleaning data.

• Testing historical and new data.

• Integrating oral health and primary care EHR systems.

• Securing consultant services for system integration and coordination.

• Enhancing interoperability to streamline RWHAP eligibility across Parts using existing data sources (e.g., Medicaid, health information exchanges, or marketplace records).

All activities must be used to enhance or expand an existing EHR system to improve the:

• Quality.

• Pharmacological safety.

• Efficiency.

Funds cannot be used to purchase a brand-new EHR system. Any component purchased with federal funds must meet certification requirements set by the Assistant

Secretary for Technology Policy and be configured to report clinical data electronically for HRSA reporting. More information is available at HealthIT.gov.

Activity 2: Telehealth Telehealth improves access to care. It does this by reducing or eliminating the time needed to travel to and from appointments, and by lessening other social barriers such as caregiving responsibilities and lack of transportation that can cause people to miss their appointments.

Telehealth allows care delivery across any distance, expanding access to quality primary health.

If you select this activity, you must develop and acquire, through lease or purchase:

• Computer hardware and software.

• Audio and video equipment.

• Computer network equipment.

• Interactive equipment.

• Data terminal equipment.

• Other equipment that furthers the objectives of the proposed telehealth activity.

You must describe technology requirements and each type of equipment to be employed.

Include a concise description of the equipment’s:

• Relevance to the project.

• Cost-effectiveness.

• Timeliness.

• Accuracy of care.

• Ease of use.

Discuss the telehealth reimbursement environment and whether Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance in your state(s) cover telehealth services.

https://www.healthit.gov/topic/certification-ehrs/certification-health-it

For resources addressing this topic, access HRSA’s Office for the Advancement of

Telehealth and HHS’s Telehealth for providers.

Activity 3: Dental Equipment for Expanding Dental Service Capacity Personnel salaries for the provision of dental care (positions such as hygienist, dental assistant, dentist, etc.), purchase of a mobile unit, or construction are not allowable under this activity.

Oral health care is one of the core medical service categories in the RWHAP and can be a part of all clinical care plans for people with HIV. A large proportion of people with HIV have unmet dental care needs due to lack of available dental providers, limited transportation, costs of care, or other barriers.

RWHAP Part C supports a comprehensive approach to oral health care for low-income people with HIV, including the co-location of oral health care services with outpatient ambulatory health care.

If you select this activity, you must purchase dental equipment for the purpose of developing, enhancing, or expanding oral health care services for people with HIV.

Specifically, this activity involves creating or expanding a dental operatory in a clinic or in a mobile unit (e.g., van) through purchasing equipment such as:

• Dental patient chairs.

• Sterilization units.

• X-ray imaging instruments.

• Dental operating lights.

• Operatory cabinets.

• Hand pieces.

Statutory authority 42 U.S.C. §§ 300ff-54(c)(1)(B) and (Title XXVI, §§ 2654(c)(1(B) and 2693 of the Public

Health Service Act).

https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/telehealth https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/telehealth https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers

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

Policies

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

• Have clear policies and good financial practices to avoid spending HRSA funds on unallowable activities.

• Like other award rules, we may audit your policies, procedures, and controls.

• 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. of the Two-Tier Application Guide

[PDF].

◦ 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E - General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost.

◦ Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities, in the HHS Grants Policy

Statement.

• All costs must be reasonable, necessary, allocable to the award, and adequately documented (2 CFR 200.403).

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

• Current appropriations law includes a salary limit of $228,000 as of January 2026 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. For help calculating salaries under this limit, read more at “salary rate limitation” in the Two-Tier Application Guide [PDF].

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/two-tier-application-guide.pdf#page%3D17 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/two-tier-application-guide.pdf#page%3D17 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-grants-policy-statement-april-2025-archived.pdf#page%3D81 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.404 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.405 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.400(g) https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/two-tier-application-guide.pdf#page%3D17

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

• Funding restrictions included in Policy Clarification Notice 16-02 Ryan White HIV/

AIDS Program Services: Eligible Individuals and Allowable Uses of Funds.

• Charges that are billable to third party payors (e.g., private health insurance, prepaid health plans, Medicaid, Medicare, Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) funding for housing services, other RWHAP funding including

AIDS Drug Assistance Program).

• To directly provide housing or health care services (e.g., HIV care, counseling and testing) that duplicate existing services.

• Payments for clinical research.

• Payments for nursing home care.

• Cash payments to intended clients of RWHAP services.

• Purchase or improvement to land.

• Purchase, construction, or major alterations or renovations on any building or other facility (see 2 CFR 200 – subpart A Definitions).

• PrEP or non-occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) medications or the related medical services. As outlined in the updated November 16, 2021 RWHAP and PrEP program letter.

• Purchase of sterile needles and syringes for the purpose of hypodermic injection of any illegal drug use. Some aspects of syringe services programs are allowable with HRSA’s prior approval and in compliance with HHS and HRSA policy. See

Syringe Services Programs.

• Development of materials designed to directly promote or encourage intravenous drug use or sexual activity, whether homosexual or heterosexual.

• Research.

• Foreign travel.

• Long-term activities.

◦ Instead, the activities should be short-term in nature with a targeted completion by the end of the one-year period of performance.

You must have policies, procedures, and financial controls in place. Anyone who receives federal funding must comply with legal requirements and restrictions, including those that limit specific uses of funding.

https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/grants/service-category-pcn-16-02-final.pdf https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/grants/service-category-pcn-16-02-final.pdf https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/grants/hab-community-engagment-program-letter.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/hiv-care/prep-dcl-november-2021-508.pdf https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/hiv-care/prep-dcl-november-2021-508.pdf https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/policies-issues/syringe-services-programs/

Follow the list of statutory restrictions on the use of funds in Section 4.1 (Funding

Restrictions) of the Application Guide. We may audit the effectiveness of these policies, procedures, and controls. 2 CFR § 200.216 prohibits certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment. For details, see the HRSA Grants Policy

Bulletin Number: 2021-01E.

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

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

To incur indirect costs, you can select one of two methods:

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

Method 2 – De minimis rate. Per 2 CFR § 200.414(f), if you do not have a current negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate. If you choose this method, costs included in the indirect cost pool must not be charged as direct costs.

This rate is up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See 2 CFR § 200.1 for the definition of MTDC. You can use this rate indefinitely for all your federal awards or until you choose to receive a negotiated rate.

Consider your indirect costs when developing your budget.

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

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/manage/grants-policy-bulletin-2021.pdf https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/manage/grants-policy-bulletin-2021.pdf https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/manage-your-grant 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)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

Get registered 17

Find the application package 17

Application writing help 18

Get registered 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.

If you need additional information about user roles in SAM.gov, see “Get registered:

SAM.gov user roles” in the Application Guide [PDF].

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 and How to Apply for

Grants.

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-26-061.

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

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://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D4 https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants https://www.grants.gov/search-grants

Application writing help Visit HHS Tips for Preparing Grant Proposals.

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

See Apply for a Grant for other help and resources.

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

Join the webinar Webinar information will be posted to the Related Documents tab on Grants.gov. We recommend you “Subscribe” to the NOFO on Grants.gov to receive updates when documents are posted.

Have questions? Go to Contacts and Support.

https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/get-ready-for-grants-management/tips-for-preparing-grant-proposals/index.html https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant/prepare-your-application https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant

Step 3:

Build Your Application

Application checklist 20

Application contents and format 22

Application checklist There are two types of forms in Grants.gov.

• Some forms allow you to upload components of your application to the form.

These include components like your project narrative, budget and budget narrative, and attachments, as applicable.

• Other forms are more typical, fill-in-the-blank forms.

Make sure that you have everything you need to apply.

Narratives

Attachments Insert each in the Attachments Form in this order.

Component Grants.gov form Included in page limit*?

Project narrative Project Narrative Attachment form. Yes

Budget narrative Budget Narrative Attachment form. Yes

Component Included in page limit*?

1. Proof of non-profit status No

2. Funding preference No

3. Federally negotiated indirect cost rate No

4. Biographical sketches No

5. Program specific line-item budget Yes

6. Work plan Yes

7. Staffing plan job descriptions Yes

8. Agreements with other entities and memoranda of understanding Yes

9-15. Other relevant documents Yes

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

Forms Submission requirement

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

Project Abstract Summary form With application.

Grants.gov Lobbying form With application.

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

Application contents and format This section includes guidance on each component found in the application checklist.

Application page limit: 25

Submit your information in English and express whole number budget figures using

U.S. dollars.

Required format Required format for project summary, project narrative, budget narrative, and attachments.

Font: A readable font like Arial, Courier, CG Times, or Times New Roman

File format: We only accept the following document formats:

• .PDF - Adobe Portable Document Format

• .DOC/.DOCX - Microsoft Word

• .RTF - Rich Text Format

• .TXT - Text

• .WPD - Word Perfect Document

• .XLS/.XLSX - Microsoft Excel

• .VSD - Microsoft Visio

Size: 12-point font

Footnotes, charts, graphics, and budget tables may be 10-point or higher.

Ink color: Black

Spacing: Single-spaced, including all text and tables.

Alignment: Left

Headings: Bold all headings and align left.

Size: 8.5 x 11 (Make sure the print area is set and allows printing to 8.5 x 11.)

Margins: 1-inch on all sides

Footer: On each page as the footer, include your organization’s name and page numbers. If a competing continuation or competing supplement, also include your

10-digit award number.

Page numbering:

• Do not number the standard OMB-approved forms.

• Number each attachment page sequentially (that is, 1, 2, 3).

• Reset the numbering for each attachment.

• Treat each attachment as a separate section.

File names: You can find guidance for naming your files in the Application Guide [PDF].

Project narrative Introduction See merit review criterion 1: Need

• Indicate the one activity you will implement:

◦ Electronic Health Record and Data Coordination.

◦ Telehealth.

◦ Dental equipment for expanding office capacity.

• Describe the need for capacity development funding within your community and organization.

• Explain how the proposed activity will improve access to high-quality, HIV primary care for low-income people with HIV.

• Demonstrate how this is a brand-new activity and does not duplicate nor repeat any infrastructure development activities previously funded under the RWHAP

Part C Capacity Development program.

• It also cannot duplicate activities of the RWHAP Part D Women, Infants, Children and Youth (WICY) Supplemental program (HRSA-24-061; HRSA-24-062) or FY 2025

(HRSA-25-050; HRSA-25-049).

Need See merit review criterion 1: Need

For your proposed activity:

• Outline the equipment or data system needs you plan to address.

◦ Describe the gaps in organizational capacity due to limitations in the current system infrastructure.

◦ Include changes you have made to the current service delivery system.

◦ Describe how the lessons you have learned will be applied to this activity.

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D26

• Provide information specific to the selected activity and describe how these gaps or limitations are affecting the optimal provision of quality HIV primary care services.

◦ Include how health care gaps or limitations are affecting your organization’s ability to optimize HIV outcomes.

• Discuss the relevant barriers to successfully carry out the project. Include the steps you will take to minimize or overcome them.

Approach See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Provide a clear description of the approach.

◦ Include specific action steps.

◦ Describe how actions will address the need and attain project objectives.

◦ Include how the activity will be used to expand or improve client care.

◦ Include the person(s) responsible for putting your proposed project in place

(both staff and partners).

• Describe plans to share any information or products developed with the people and communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.

◦ You should also plan to share lesson learned with these people and communities.

◦ This should include community providers and project partners so they are made aware of the additional capability created by this proposed project.

Work plan See merit review criteria 2: Response

Provide a detailed work plan for the 12-month period of performance of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. For all activities, the work plan must:

• Describe the activity’s goal and objectives.

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

• List the key action steps needed to reach the goal.

◦ Include when each step will be completed and who is responsible for each.

• Provide a timeline showing when each step will be completed and name the staff responsible for each step.

• Identify the measures you will use to evaluate success.

• Describe the expected outcomes that will show the impact of the activity.

◦ Outcomes may include changes in quality of service, service delivery type, treatment outcomes, knowledge, skills, practices, or other improvements.

Provide the above information in a table format with the following sections outlined:

• Goal and objectives.

• Action steps.

• Timeline.

• Person responsible.

• Evaluation measures.

• Outcomes.

You will also include a more detailed work plan that you will submit as Attachment 6.

Resolving challenges See merit review criterion 4: Impact

• Discuss challenges that you are likely to encounter in your work plan and explain approaches that you’ll use to resolve them.

• Describe the specific activities or strategies you will use to mitigate or resolve anticipated challenges. Include your plan to overcome any barriers to full implementation

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

Performance measurement and reporting

• Describe how you will collect and manage data in a way that helps you improve the way you carry out your activity.

• Track the goals and objectives identified in the work plan.

Program evaluation

• Describe how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your proposed capacity development project.

• Describe how you will share evaluation results internally with program staff and externally with key stakeholders (including people with HIV).

See the reporting section for more information.

Sustainability See merit review criterion 4: Impact

• Show that the activities outlined in the work plan can be reasonably completed within 12 months.

• Describe the organizational resources that you will use to sustain, without additional funds from the federal government, the project activities or enhancements supported by this award beyond the one-year period of performance.

Organizational information See merit review criterion 5: Resources and capabilities

• Briefly describe the organizational skills, capabilities, and resources, including staff that will contribute to your organization’s ability to carry out the proposed activity.

• Highlight key staff with relevant expertise and experience with similar work.

◦ This information should align with the staffing plan provided in Attachment 7 and the biographical sketches of key personnel provided in Attachment 4.

• Discuss the organization’s ability to secure agreements or contracts with community-based organizations, health care providers, and consultant services to achieve this project.

• Describe your plan to purchase equipment and execute contracts for services for this project within a reasonable timeframe.

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

Your budget should follow the instructions in budget narrative: detailed instructions section of the Application Guide [PDF] and the instructions listed in this section. Your budget should show a well-organized plan.

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

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

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Equipment) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Supply)

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form 424-A. It includes an itemized breakdown and a clear justification of the costs you request. The merit review committee reviews both.

As you develop your budget, consider:

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

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

Line-Item budget:

• In addition to the SF-424 Application Guide requirements, you must also provide the line-item budget and budget narrative according to each object class category

(e.g., Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel).

◦ The budget allocations on the line-item budget must relate to the activities proposed in the project narrative, including the work plan.

• To evaluate your adherence to RWHAP Part C Capacity Development statutory budget requirements, submit a program-specific line-item budget for the one-year period of performance (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027).

◦ Highlight any administrative costs by making them bold.

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

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

As you develop your budget, also consider the restrictions on spending funds. See

Funding policies & limitations.

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

Application Guide [PDF].

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D18

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

Unless the instructions below require it, do not submit organizational brochures or other promotional materials (for example, slides, films, clips).

Attachment 1: Proof of non-profit status If your organization is non-profit, you need to attach proof. We will accept any of the following:

• 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 non-profit 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 non-profit.

• Any of the listed documents for a parent organization. Also include a statement signed by an official of the parent group that your organization is a non-profit affiliate.

Attachment 2: Funding preference documentation Provide information, including supporting documentation, data, and other details according to the instructions for funding preferences for either rural areas or underserved populations. HRSA will review the information to determine whether you qualify for a funding preference. See funding preferences for more information.

Attachment 3: Federally negotiated indirect cost rate (if applicable) Provide any documents that describe working relationships between your organization and others you mention in your project narrative. If you include documents that confirm actual or pending contracts or agreements, the documents should clearly describe the roles of subrecipients and contractors and any deliverables. It is not necessary to include the entire contents of lengthy agreements, so long as the portions you include describe the working relationship between you and the other organization.

Make sure letters of agreement are signed and dated.

Attachment 4: Biographical sketches Include biographical sketches for the principal investigator/principal director, project coordinator (if different) and any staff directly responsible for implementing the proposed projects that you describe in Attachment 7.

For key personnel, the biographical sketch should be no more than 1-page. Do not include personally identifiable information.

Attachment 5: Program specific line-item budget Submit as a PDF document a program-specific line-item budget for the 1-year period of performance. SF-424A Section B is not counted toward the page limit; however, the line-item budget itself does count toward the page limit. Reference section See Section

3.4.1. of the Application Guide [PDF].

Attachment 6: Work plan Attach the project’s work plan for the 12-month period of performance of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. Make sure it includes everything required in the project narrative section.

Attachment 7: Staffing plan and job descriptions See Section 3.1.7 of the Application Guide [PDF].

Include a staffing plan that provides key information about the staff positions. Include:

name, position title, brief background, and the role and responsibilities of the person in your proposed project. For each staff, include the sources of funding for your proposed project and corresponding time and effort. It is recommended to supply this information in the form of a table.

Attachment 8: Agreements with other entities Provide any documents that describe working relationships between your organization and others you refer to in the proposal. Documents that confirm actual or pending contracts or agreements should clearly describe the roles of the contractors and any deliverable. Make sure you sign and date any letters of agreement.

Attachment 9-15: Other relevant documents You may use attachments 9 through 15 for any other relevant documentation.

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D21

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

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

Forms Submission requirement

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

Project Abstract Summary form With application.

Grants.gov Lobbying form With application.

Form instructions The application guide has detailed instructions for:

• The Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424).

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

Project abstract summary form instructions 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. Indicate the funding amount requested and the name the specific activity.

For more information, see Section 3.1.2 of the Application Guide [PDF].

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.

https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D8 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D13 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D13 https://www.usaspending.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-writing-award-descriptions.pdf

Step 4:

Understand Review, Selection, and Award

In this step

Application review 32

Selection process 36

Award notices 38

Application review Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets eligibility criteria, and the requirements in this NOFO. If your application does not meet eligibility criteria, it will not be funded. If your application does not meet other criteria, we will not fund it.

Merit review A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. You can find more about the merit review process in the Application Guide [PDF]. The members use these criteria.

Criterion Total number of points = 100

1. Need 10 points

2. Response 35 points

3. Performance reporting and evaluation 15 points

4. Impact 10 points

5. Resources and capabilities 20 points

6. Support requested 10 points

Criterion 1: Need (10 points) See the project narrative Introduction and Need sections.

The panel will review your application for how well it:

Introduction (3 points)

• States the proposed activity.

• Describes the overall purpose of the proposed project and the need for capacity development funding.

• Explain how the proposed activity will improve access to high-quality primary care for low-income people with HIV.

• Demonstrates that the proposed activity is a brand-new activity that introduces innovative approaches, services, or strategies to the program.

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/application-guide.pdf#page%3D32

Need (7 points)

• Justifies the need for capacity development funding to address the gaps in organizational capacity or the limitations of current infrastructure.

• Describes the relevant barriers to successfully carry out the project, and the steps to be taken to minimize or overcome the stated barriers.

• Outlines equipment or data system needs.

• Includes proposed changes to the current service delivery system.

• Describes how the lessons learned will be applied.

Criterion 2: Response (35 points) See the project narrative Approach, and Work plan sections.

The panel will review your application for:

Approach (15 points)

• Clarity of the approach, including specific action steps and the roles of responsible staff or partners, to ensure effective implementation of the proposed activity.

• The extent to which the activities described in the application can address the need and attain the project objectives.

• The description of intent to share or disseminate relevant information and products developed through the funded activity and lessons learned with other providers in the community and collaborators to this project.

Work plan (20 points)

• Clarity of the goal, objectives, and action steps for the 12-month work plan

(Attachment 6).

• The structure and completeness, including when each step will be completed and who is responsible for implementation.

• The extent to which the activities described in the application can address the problem and attain the project objectives.

Criterion 3: Performance reporting and evaluation (15 points) See the project narrative Performance reporting and evaluation section.

The panel will review your application for:

• Clearness of the evaluation plan to monitor progress towards project goals and objectives, and efficiency of plan to address barriers to implementation.

Criterion 4: Impact (10 points) See the project narrative Resolving challenges and Sustainability sections.

The panel will review your application for:

Resolving challenges (5 points)

• The clarity of the outline of challenges likely to be encountered in designing and carrying out the activities in the work plan.

• Describes the specific activities or strategies used to mitigate or resolve anticipated challenges in implementing the proposed activity.

Sustainability (5 points)

• The extent to which activities outlined in the work plan can reasonably be completed in the 12-month period of performance.

• The strength of the applicants proposed plan for sustaining activities, without additional federal funds, beyond the federal funding period

Criterion 5: Resources and capabilities (20 points) See the project narrative Organizational information and Performance reporting and evaluation sections.

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

Organizational information (10 points)

• The organization demonstrates the ability to secure agreements with community-based organizations, health care providers, and consultant services needed to successfully achieve the proposed project.

• The organization demonstrates the ability to purchase equipment and execute contracts for services for this project within a reasonable timeframe to complete project activities.

Staffing plan (10 points)

• The staffing plan (Attachment 7) is consistent with the proposed activity.

• Staffing plan is adequate or sufficient for meeting the proposed project goals and objectives.

Criterion 6: Support requested (10 points) See the Budget and budget narrative section.

The panel will review your application to determine:

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

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

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

We do not consider voluntary cost sharing during merit review.

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

• Review any applicable past performance.

• Review audit reports and findings.

• Analyze the budget.

• Assess your management systems.

• Ensure you continue to be eligible.

• Make sure you comply with any public policies.

We may ask you to submit additional information.

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

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

For more details, see 2 CFR 200.206.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206

Funding priorities A funding priority adds points to merit review scores if we determine that the application meets the listed criteria. Qualifying for a funding priority does not guarantee that your application will be successful.

Priority 1: Not currently funded by this opportunity (2 Points)

We will give you a funding priority if:

Your organization does not hold an active award under this opportunity at the time you apply.

Priority 2: Never funded by this opportunity (2 Points)

We will give you a funding priority if:

Your organization has never received an award under this opportunity.

Priority 3: Alignment with Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative (2 points) We will give you funding priority if the following is met:

Your proposal is in an EHE priority state.

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

• The amount of available funds.

• Assessed risk.

• Merit review results. These are key in making decisions but are not…