HRSA-26-086 Final.pdf

Bureau of Health Workforce

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due 07/17/2026

Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention—Transition to Practice

Program (NEPQR-TPP)

Opportunity number: HRSA-26-086

Contents

Before you begin 3

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 9

Award information 13

Get registered 17

Find the application package 17

Application writing help 18

Application checklist 20

Application contents and format 22

Application review 37

Selection process 42

Award notices 43

Application submission and deadlines 45

Other submissions 45

Post-award requirements and administration 47

Reporting 51

Endnotes 55

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 06/05/2026.

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 9

Award information 13

Basic information Health Resources and Services Administration

Bureau of Health Workforce

Increasing the nursing workforce in rural and medically vulnerable areas through innovative training opportunities.

Summary The Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention—Transition to Practice Program

(NEPQR-TPP) aims to increase the nursing workforce and address the nursing shortage in rural and medically vulnerable communities. It does this by supporting innovative educational and clinical training opportunities.

Funding details Application type: New

Expected total available funding in FY 2026: $24,262,837

Expected number and type of awards: 33 grants

Funding range per award: Up to $750,000 per year. Your funding request for years 2 through 4 cannot exceed the amount requested in year 1.

At least 45% of annual funding must be used to expand experiential learning opportunities, including the purchase simulation-based technology costs, including equipment.

We plan to fund awards in four 12-month budget periods for a total of four years, with a period of performance from 09/01/2026 to 08/31/2030.

Have questions?

Go to Contacts and

Support.

Key facts name:

Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and

Retention—Transition to

Practice Program (NEPQR-

TPP)

number:

HRSA-26-086

version:

Initial

93.359

Key dates

06/15/2026

07/17/2026

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

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

Eligibility You can apply for this award if you are:

• An accredited school of nursing, as defined in section 801(2).

• A health care facility, including federally qualified health centers or nurse-managed health clinics.

• A partnership of such a school and facility.

Types of eligible organizations These types of domestic organizations may apply if they otherwise meet the eligibility criteria.

“Domestic” means the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto

Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the

Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

• Public and state controlled institutions of higher education.

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

• Private institutions of higher education.

• Others (See text field entitled additional information on eligibility).

Additional information on eligibility

Section 801(2) defines “school of nursing” as “an accredited (as defined in paragraph 6) collegiate, associate degree, or diploma school of nursing in a State where graduates are— (A) authorized to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered

Nurse (NCLEX–RN); or (B) licensed registered nurses who will receive a graduate or equivalent degree or training to become an advanced education nurse as defined by section 811(b),” such as:

• Baccalaureate nursing programs.

• Community colleges that train associate-degree nurses.

Individuals are not eligible applicants under this NOFO.

Trainee eligibility To receive support under this program, a trainee must be one of the following:

• A U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.

• An individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States.

• Any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and

Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L 104-193, as amended.

Qualifications for principal investigator or project director

• The principal investigator (PI) or project director (PD) must be a licensed registered nurse.

• You cannot have multiple project directors.

• The PI/PD cannot be the same person as the authorizing official.

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.

If you do not include all required documents as part of the application, we may consider your application incomplete or nonresponsive.

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.

Application page limit: 60 pages.

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.

Maintenance of effort Federal funds must add to any existing non-federal funds for your proposed activities. If you receive an award, you will have to spend at least as much as you spent in the last fiscal year before the award. 42 U.S.C. §29b(b)(section 803)(b) of the Public Health

Service Act) requires this. We will enforce these statutory requirements through all available mechanisms. You must provide supporting documentation of your maintenance of effort in your attachments.

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 The purpose of the Nursing Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention—Transition to

Practice Program (NEPQR-TPP) is to strengthen the nursing workforce and expand access to care. It does this by preparing undergraduate nursing students with the skill set to provide high-quality patient care in traditional and nontraditional community-based settings.

The program will increase the supply of a high-quality nursing workforce for rural and medically vulnerable communities.

Background The nursing shortage continues to affect the quality and stability of health care in the

United States. In 2024, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projected that by 2037 the country will face a 6% shortage of registered nurses. That equals about 207,980 full-time nurses. Rural areas are expected to face a larger shortage (13%) than metro areas (5%).[1] Many experienced nurses are leaving the workforce. At the same time, new nurses often begin their careers with limited support.

Some health care facilities also operate with too few staff. These challenges can lead to unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios,[2] longer wait times, and delays in care.

To address this problem, health care leaders can invest in pathway programs. These programs help recruit and retain allied health professionals and support them as they move into nursing roles. Schools of nursing, health care facilities, and community partners can work together to provide clinical placements and structured mentoring.[3]

Nursing programs can also use simulation technology to better prepare students.

Simulation connects classroom learning to real-world practice. It helps students build clinical judgment and decision-making skills.

Together, these strategies help new nurses transition into practice and support a strong, stable nursing workforce.

Program goal and objectives Goal: Increase the supply of a high-quality nursing workforce for rural and medically vulnerable communities:

• Objective 1: Expand and/or enhance the workforce through the development of health professions pathways and competency-based curriculum.

• Objective 2: Expand community and clinical training partnerships in non-traditional community-based settings, particularly rural and medically vulnerable areas.

• Objective 3: Provide faculty and preceptor training and support.

• Objective 4: Expand experiential learning opportunities with the purchase and use of simulation-based technology to enhance academic-practice.

Program requirements and expectations Award recipients are required to participate in federally designed evaluations to assess program effectiveness and efficiency upon request.

Create or strengthen pathways into nursing careers

Recruit and retain people with prior health care experience into your associate or bachelor’s degree nursing program. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

• Medical assistants (MAs).

• Community health workers (CHWs).

• Home health aides (HHAs).

Provide direct support to nursing students and trainees

Support enrolled students and trainees through:

• Financial assistance, such as stipends or scholarships.

• Academic and peer support, including tutoring, supplemental instruction, and remediation.

• Mentoring through a formal mentorship program in partnership with professional nursing organizations and community-based organizations.

Develop or strengthen student-centered, competency-based curricula

Develop or improve associate and bachelor’s degree registered nursing curricula that include both classroom (didactic) and clinical training.

Your curriculum must:

• Use at least three of the six elements that define competency-based education:

◦ Instruction.

◦ Assessment.

◦ Grading.

◦ Pace.

◦ Progression.

• Address Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities,[6] such as disease prevention, wellness, obesity, nutrition, and chronic disease management, or other HHS priorities.

Expand academic–clinical partnerships

Build or strengthen partnerships in nontraditional, community-based health care settings. These may include:

• Community health centers.

• Schools.

• Homeless shelters.

• Nurse-led clinics.

• Home health settings.

• Palliative care facilities.

• Mobile health units.

Your program must provide at least 100 additional clinical hours beyond standard nursing clinical rotations.

Address clinical skills gaps through simulation

Use simulation-based technology, including high-fidelity simulation equipment, to strengthen clinical skills and prepare students to work in rural and medically vulnerable communities.

Students and trainees may complete no more than 50% of the additional clinical hours through simulation.

Simulation-based training must include:

• Collaborative, interprofessional team-based care.

• Measurable clinical competencies that build on knowledge and experience.

• Community-based practice scenarios that address MAHA priorities.

• Integration of competencies from the International Nursing Association for Clinical

Simulation and Learning (INACSL).

• Funding for an academic nursing faculty member or coordinator to support best-practice simulation activities.

• At least 45% of annual funding must be used to expand experiential learning opportunities, including the purchase simulation-based technology costs, including equipment.

Support and develop nursing faculty

Provide professional development and training opportunities for nursing faculty, clinical faculty, and preceptors.

Statutory authority 42 U.S.C. 296p (Section 831 of the Public Health Services Act)

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.

• Support beyond the first budget year will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

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

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

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

◦ Fund more applicants from the rank order list.

◦ Extend the period of performance.

◦ Award supplemental funding.

General limitations

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

◦ Project Budget Information in Section 3.1.4 of the R&R Application Guide

[PDF]. You can also see 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 rate higher than the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D15 https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D15 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-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)

Executive Level II if the amount beyond the HHS SRL is paid with non-HHS funds.

For help calculating salaries under this limit, read more at “salary rate limitation” in the R&R Application Guide [PDF].

Program-specific statutory or regulatory limitations

Additionally, these specific costs are not allowed:

• Accreditation costs.

• Renewals or annual fees.

• Credentialing.

• Certification exam or licensing fees.

• Franchise fees and expenses.

• Membership fees to organizations that directly fund lobbying activities.

• Laboratory fees.

• Food or drinks.

• Liability insurance, unemployment insurance, life insurance, taxes, fees, retirement plans, or other fringe benefits for students/trainees.

◦ Health insurance for students/trainees is allowed.

• Payment of temporary personnel replacement costs for the time faculty, preceptors, or participants are away from their usual worksite during project activities.

• Paid release time for project faculty.

• Construction or major renovation.

• Foreign travel.

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

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D16 https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/manage-your-grant

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.

As of October 1, 2025, 2 CFR 300.414 indirect costs for training awards cannot exceed

8% of modified total direct costs. To calculate the (MTDC), we exclude from the direct cost base:

• Direct cost amounts for equipment, tuition, fees, and participant support costs.

• Subawards and subcontracts exceeding $50,000.

For modified total direct costs, we use the definition at 2 CFR 200.1.

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.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#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 [PDF] 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 R&R 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-26-086.

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/research-related-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.

Join the webinar For more information about this opportunity, Visit the Bureau of Health Workforce’s open opportunities website. The webinar will be recorded.

FAQs will be posted on the Bureau of Health Workforce’s open opportunities website.

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 https://bhw.hrsa.gov/programs https://bhw.hrsa.gov/programs

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 See the instructions for the project narrative and the budget and budget narrative.

Component Form Included in page limit*?

Project narrative Research & related other project information Yes*

Budget and budget narrative Research & related budget Yes*

Attachments See instructions for attachments.

Form

1. Accreditation documentation Yes

2. Project organizational chart Yes

3. Agreements with entities Yes

4. Staffing plan and job descriptions Yes

5. Maintenance of effort documentation Yes

6. Funding preference or priority documentation Yes

7. Tables and charts Yes

8. Letters of support Yes

9-15. Other relevant documents Yes

Other required forms See form instructions.

* Unless otherwise indicated, only what you attach to a form counts toward the page limit. The form itself does not count.

Form

SF-424 R&R (Application for federal assistance) No

Project abstract summary form No

Research & related other project information No

Research & related senior/key person profile (expanded) No

R&R subaward budget attachment(s) form Yes*

Project/performance site location(s) No

Disclosure of lobbying sctivities (SF-LLL) No

Standardized work plan (SWP) form No

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

Application page limit: 60 pages

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 R&R Application

Guide [PDF].

Project narrative Use the Research & Related Other Project Information form to attach the project narrative. In the project narrative, you will describe all aspects of your project.

Use the section headers and the order as listed.

Introduction

See merit review criterion 1: Need

Briefly describe the purpose of your project and how it aligns with this funding opportunity.

Need

See merit review criterion 1: Need

• Describe the nursing workforce shortages, needs, barriers, and nurse-retention challenges in your target service area or areas.

• Detail the need for a nursing pathway that recruits, enrolls and retains LPNs and/ or unlicensed assistive personnel such as EMTs, CNAs, and HHAs to address the shortages and retention challenges.

• Identify critical gaps in your organization’s professional development and mentoring programs that support nursing students/trainees in their transition to practice.

• Identify gaps in current curricula and traditional training models and show how you will use competency-based nursing education to overcome these gaps.

• Briefly describe challenges with access to community-based care in your service areas.

• Describe simulation-based equipment and training needed to implement the proposed project.

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

Approach

See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Describe how your project will address your stated needs and meet the program requirements described in this NOFO.

• Explain your program’s plan to recruit, train, and retain undergraduate nursing students/trainees. Explain how your project will provide professional development and mentoring for nursing students/trainees entering the nursing workforce.

• Describe plans to develop and implement student-centered, competency-based learning models, meaningful and measurable simulation competencies, and didactic and innovative experiential training.

• Describe innovative solutions to improve access to community-based care and address MAHA priorities in your service areas.

• List and describe each partnership you will form to meet the goals and objectives of the project.

◦ Provide the location, type of facility, population served, and learning opportunities available at each clinical training site.

◦ Describe how each site will provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students/trainees.

◦ Provide letters of agreement or memoranda of understanding for these partnerships in Attachment 3.

◦ Include a plan to collect data, create reports, and disseminate your findings.

High-level work plan

See merit review criteria 2: Response and 4: Impact

• Describe how you’ll achieve each of your project goal and objectives during the period of performance.

• Identify key stakeholders responsible for planning, designing, and carrying out all project activities.

• Provide a timeline that identifies each activity and the responsible stakeholder for each activity.

• Identify the projected number of students/trainees who you will support over the period of performance.

• Complete your Standardized Work Plan (SWP).

Resolving challenges

See merit review criterion 2: Response

• Discuss challenges that you are likely to encounter in designing and carrying out the activities in the work plan. Explain approaches that you’ll use to resolve them.

Performance management

See merit review criteria 3: Performance management and 5: Resources and capabilities

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

• Performance measurement and reporting. See the webpage Report on Your

Grant for annual performance measure requirements and an example of reporting forms.

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

◦ Describe how you will manage and securely store data.

◦ Describe how you will track students/trainees for up to one year after they complete the program.

• Describe how you will monitor and analyze performance data to continuously improve your program.

• Program evaluation. Your evaluation should examine processes and progress toward program goals, program objectives, and expected outcomes. Evaluations must follow the HHS Evaluation Policy, as well as the standards and best practices described in OMB Memorandum M-20-12: Program Evaluation Standards and

Practices [PDF]. Describe your plan to evaluate the project, including:

◦ The evaluation questions, methods, data to be collected, and timeline for implementation.

◦ The evaluation barriers and your plan to address them.

◦ The evaluation capacity of your organization and staff. Including experience, skills, and knowledge.

◦ How you will disseminate results, how you will assess whether your dissemination plan is effective, whether the results are national in scope, and the extent of potential replication.

See the reporting section for more information.

Sustainability

See merit review criterion 4: Impact https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/report-on-your-grant https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/report-on-your-grant https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-12.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-12.pdf

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

• Highlight key elements of your project. Examples include training methods or strategies that have been effective in enhancing a student’s learning, knowledge, and skills.

• Describe the actions you will take to obtain future sources of funding.

• Determine the timing to become self-sufficient.

• Discuss the challenges that you will likely encounter in sustaining the program.

Include how you will resolve these challenges.

Organizational information

See merit review criterion 5: Resources and capabilities

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

Explain how they support your ability to carry out the program requirements.

Include a project organizational chart as Attachment 2.

• Discuss how you will follow the approved plan, account for federal funds, and record all costs to avoid audit findings.

• Describe how you will assess the unique needs of the students/trainees you serve.

• Including a staffing plan and job descriptions for key faculty and staff in

Attachment 4.

• Describe the organizations you will partner with to fulfill the program goals and meet the training objectives. Including key agreements in Attachment 3 and letters of support in Attachment 8.

• You will also include biographical sketches for key staff using the Research &

Related Senior/Key Person Profile form. See the other required forms.

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 R&R Application Guide [PDF] and any specific instructions listed in this section.

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 activity or project. This includes costs charged to the award and nonfederal funds used to satisfy any matching or cost sharing requirement (which may include maintenance of effort, if applicable).

Reminder: Indirect costs for training awards cannot exceed 8% of modified total direct costs.

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in the Research and

Related Budget Form. The merit review committee reviews both. Your budget should show a well-organized plan.

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

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

• Restrictions on spending funds. See funding policies and limitations.

In addition, NEPQR-TPP requires the following:

• List the costs of simulation equipment and justify why you need the equipment to carry out the program’s goals.

• Provide a detailed itemized per-unit cost that shows how costs were estimated and total cost. At least 45% of annual funding must be used to expand experiential learning opportunities, including the purchase simulation-based technology costs, including equipment.

To create your budget justification narrative, see budget narrative instructions in the

R&R Application Guide [PDF].

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D15 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Equipment) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Supply) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Supply) https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D18

Participant and trainee support costs

In your budget narrative:

• List tuition, fees, health insurance, stipends, travel, subsistence, and other costs.

• Identify the number of students/trainees and the cost per student/trainee.

• Separate these costs from others so we can identify them easily.

• Include a subtotal titled “Total Participant and Trainee Support Costs” with the summary of these costs.

• You must allocate at least 10% of the total annual budget to support participants and trainees.

Preceptor costs

Preceptors can be either your employee, contractor, or consultant. Preceptor costs are unique and different than trainee costs, which are for your students/trainees. Allowable preceptor costs may include:

• Stipends (other than employees).

• Percentage of salary (for employees).

• Continuing education, other training, and related fees.

• Travel.

Note: You cannot require students/trainees to pay for preceptor costs.

• If the preceptor is an employee, specify those costs under Section B. Other

Personnel, Section D. Travel, and Section F. Other Direct Costs.

• If the preceptor is a consultant or contractor, lists those costs under Section F.

Other Direct Costs.

• Include the number of preceptors in your budget narrative.

Consultants

Identify each consultant, the services they will perform, the total number of days, travel costs, and the total estimated costs.

Attachments See section 3.2 of the HRSA R&R Application Guide [PDF].

Place your PDF attachments in order in the Attachments form. See the 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: Accreditation documentation

Required: You must provide documentation of your nursing program’s accreditation.

All nursing programs that are associated with the project must be accredited for the purpose of nursing education. Schools of nursing affiliated with the proposed project that provide formal degree programs must be accredited by a national nurse education accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the secretary of the U.S.

Department of Education for the purposes of nursing education.

Please do not provide only the web link to the accreditation body’s website. HRSA will not open any links included in the application.

You must submit documentation that:

• Demonstrates continuing accreditation or approval from the relevant accrediting or approval body.

• Includes the name of the accrediting or authorizing body.

• Provides the date of your initial accreditation approval.

• Provides the date of the next expected accrediting or approval body review, or the expiration date of your current accreditation or approval.

• Provides proof of status if you have provisional accreditation.

• Provides documentation of probationary license with documented next steps and provides a date for follow up approval body review.

If your accreditation or approval status cannot be verified, you will be considered nonresponsive and deemed ineligible.

You are responsible for verifying that all project partners maintain current accreditation or approval throughout the period of performance.

Newly established programs of nursing accreditation

A new program of nursing that, by reason of an insufficient period of operation, is not, at the time of the submission of an application, eligible for accreditation by such a recognized body or bodies or state agency, shall be deemed accredited for the https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D25 purposes of this title if the secretary of education finds, after consultation with the appropriate recognized state approval or accrediting body or bodies, that there is reasonable assurance that the program will meet the accreditation standards of such body or bodies prior to the beginning of the academic year following the normal graduation date of students of the first entering class in such a program. The letter of reasonable assurance from the U.S. Department of Education must be submitted with the application.

Health care facilities

If you partner with a nursing program, that nursing program must be accredited. You must provide documentation of your partnering nursing program’s accreditation or probationary accreditation. All nursing programs that are associated with the project must be accredited for the purpose of nursing education. Please see requirements for accreditation documentation at the beginning of this section.

Attachment 2: Project organizational chart

Required: You must provide a one-page diagram that shows the full project’s organizational structure. Include all aspects, not just the applicant organization.

Attachment 3: Agreements with other entities

Required: You must provide any documents that describe working relationships between your organization and others you refer to in the proposal, such as partnerships between health care facilities and schools of nursing. Documents that confirm actual or pending contracts or agreements 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: Staffing plan and job descriptions

Required: See Section 3.1.7 of the R&R Application Guide [PDF].

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

For key personnel, attach a one-page job description. It must include the role, responsibilities, and qualifications.

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D23

Attachment 5: Maintenance of effort documentation

Required: You must include nonfederal funds that support proposed activities. These include cash, in-kind, and other contributions. Do not include any federal funds. See the maintenance of effort requirement in the eligibility section.

FY before application:

Actual nonfederal expenditures

First FY of award:

Estimated nonfederal expenditures

Attachment 6: Funding preference documentation

As applicable: Provide documents that identify and prove you qualify for a funding preference.

See the selection process section for information about how these apply.

Attachment 7: Tables and charts

As applicable: Provide tables or charts that give more details about the proposal.

These might be Gantt, PERT, or flow charts.

Attachment 8: Letters of support

As applicable: You may provide letters of support from other organizations or departments involved in the proposed project.

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

Recommenders should indicate an understanding of and commitment to the project, and what their contribution to the project will be. You should reference letters of support in the applicable section of the project narrative.

Recommenders must sign and date their letter of support for the document to be considered.

Attachments 9–15: Other relevant documents

As applicable: You may use attachments 9 through 15 to add other relevant documents.

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

SF-424 R&R (Application for federal assistance) With application.

Project abstract summary With application.

Research & related other project information With application.

Research & related senior/key person profile (expanded) With application.

R&R subaward budget attachment(s) With application.

Project/performance site location(s) With application.

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

Standardized work plan (SWP) With application.

Form instructions

In addition to the requirements for the budget narrative, project narrative, and attachments, following are instructions for each of the other forms required by this

NOFO. See the application checklist for a full list of all application requirements.

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

This is your application for federal assistance. Follow the instructions in section 3.1.1 of the R&R Application Guide [PDF]. This is the application for federal assistance.

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].

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

Project abstract summary form

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.

When writing your summary:

• Use 4,000 characters or fewer.

• Make sure it’s clear, accurate, and short.

• Do not refer to other parts of the application.

• Do not include personally identifiable information (PII) in the abstract form.

If you receive an award, we’ll put your project abstract on public websites and databases, including USAspending.gov.

Research & related other project information

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

• Complete sections 1 through 6.

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

• Upload your project narrative in item 8.

• Leave items 9, 10, and 11 blank.

Research & related senior/key person profile (expanded)

Include biographical sketches for people who will hold the key positions.

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

• Do not include non-public personally identifiable information.

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

• Upload sketches in the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile form.

• Include:

◦ Name and title.

◦ Education and training. For each entry include institution and location, degree and date earned, if any, and field of study.

◦ Section A, Personal Statement. Briefly describe why the individual’s experience and qualifications make them well-suited for their role.

https://grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-terminology#p http://www.usaspending.gov/ https://grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-terminology#p

◦ Section B, Positions and Honors. List in chronological order previous and current positions. List any honors. Include present membership on any federal government public advisory committee.

◦ Section C, Other Support. This section is optional. List selected ongoing and completed projects during the last three years. Begin with any projects relevant to the proposed project. Briefly indicate the overall goals of the projects and responsibilities of the person.

R&R subaward budget attachment(s) form

You will also complete the R&R Subaward Budget Attachment(s) form for each subaward you propose. These include subcontracts.

Use the following instructions:

• Once you open this form, you can select “Click here” to extract the R&R Subaward

Budget Attachment.

• Save the file and then open it to complete it.

• Once you save the file you can upload it within the form.

• Repeat the steps for each subaward.

If you have more than 10 subawards, you may upload the extra budget forms in the

Research & Related Other Project Information form in Block 12, Other Attachments.

Project/performance site location(s)

Follow the form instructions in Grants.gov Forms. Use the “Next Site” option rather than “Additional Location(s)” to add more than one project/performance site location.

Disclosure of lobbying activities (SF-LLL)

Follow the form instructions in Grants.gov Forms.

https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.grants.gov/forms

Standardized work plan form

Does not count toward the page limit.

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

• Submit your workplan through the Standardized Work Plan (SWP) form. Provide a detailed work plan that demonstrates your experience or ability implementing a project of the proposed scope.

• Follow the instructions in the SWP form.

• Select your organizational priorities that best fit the objective.

• As specified in the NOFO, program goal and objectives must be copied as stated.

Step 4:

Understand Review, Selection, and Award

In this step

Application review 37

Selection process 42

Award notices 43

Application review

Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets eligibility criteria, including the completeness and responsiveness criteria. If your application does not meet these criteria, we will not fund it. If this is the case, we will notify your authorized official.

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

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

Criterion Total number of points = 100

1. Need 10 points

2. Response 40 points

3. Performance management 25 points

4. Impact 10 points

5. Resources and capabilities 10 points

6. Support requested 5 points

Criterion 1: Need (10 points)

See the project narrative Introduction and Need sections.

The panel will review your application for how well it:

• Describes the purpose of your project and how it aligns with the purpose of the funding opportunity.

• Describes the nursing workforce shortages, needs, and retention challenges in your target service areas.

• Describes plan to establish a pathway that recruits, enrolls, and retains LPNs and/ or unlicensed assistive personnel such as EMTs, CNAs, and HHAs to address shortages, needs, and barriers.

• Describes gaps in current training models and how you will use competency-based nursing education to overcome identified gaps.

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/grants/research-related-application-guide.pdf#page%3D34

• Identifies gaps in professional development and mentoring programs that support nursing students/trainees in their transition to practice.

• Describes the patient population served, and the challenges with access to community-based care in your target service areas.

• Uses and cites relevant data whenever possible.

Criterion 2: Response (40 points)

See the project narrative Approach, High-level work plan, and

Resolving challenge sections.

The panel will review your application for the following.

Approach (25 points)

• How well the activities described will address the problem and meet project requirements and expectations.

• How well it describes your plan to recruit, train, and retain undergraduate registered nursing students/trainees—including with student-centered learning models, mentoring, and other innovative experiential trainings.

• How well it proposes strategies for professional development and supporting nursing students/trainees to improve retention.

High-level work plan (10 points)

• The projected number of nursing students/trainees you will support over the period of performance.

• How well it describes plans to improve access to primary or community-based care and build partnerships for experiential training in the target areas.

Resolution of challenges (5 points)

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

Criterion 3: Performance management (25 points)

See the project narrative Performance reporting and evaluation section.

The panel will review your application for how well it does the following.

Evaluation (15…