Q&As for FY27 Hixson RFA_BPM054527_12.23.25.pdf
PDF 86 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- BPM054527
- Issued by
- Maryland
About this file
This is a Question & Answers document issued by the Maryland Department of Health for the SFY 2027 Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program (RFA BHA25-027/BPM054527), addressing clarifications on the revised RFA posted December 18, 2025. The RFA requests applications from local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations to establish and expand community behavioral health programs serving service members, veterans, and their families in Maryland. Eligible direct services include mental health and substance use screening, trauma-informed treatment services, case management and care coordination, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist services, and telehealth/telemedicine services. Applications were due January 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, and award recipients must begin program implementation by July 1, 2026, with the contract term running through June 30, 2027. An addendum was issued January 9, 2026.
The maximum funding available per organization is $225,000, with minimum awards of $50,000; total program funding is $2,432,821. This is a matching grant program requiring applicants to secure matching funds or in-kind contributions equal to the amount requested. The maximum indirect cost rate is capped at 15% and is not subject to NICRA-approved rates as this is state, not federally funded. All awards are firm fixed-price agreements provided on a reimbursement basis with quarterly invoicing due October 15, January 15, April 15, and July 15. Key RFA changes for SFY27 include a maximum funding cap of $225,000, submission of only two PDFs (Volume 1 - Project Narrative and Volume 2 - Budget Narrative), a 10-page numbered Project Narrative requirement, and submission of the organization's most recently filed IRS Form 990. The budget form must be submitted in fillable PDF format through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).
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Question & Answers
BHA25-027 / BPM054527
SFY 2027 SHEILA E. HIXSON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
Preface: Please make sure you are using the most recent version of the RFA. It was revised and uploaded on December 18, 2025.
Question #1: Will the 10 page limit for the Volume 1 - Project Narrative be expanded to include the request for new information in the SFY27 RFA?
Answer #1: No. The 10 page limit only applies to the Project Narrative (4.3.1.2). The Transmittal Letter, Credentials/Resumes, Work Plan or Letters of Support are not included in the 10 page limit, but are included in the Volume 1 - Project Narrative PDF document. Clarity was provided in the SFY27 RFA for requested items due to prior applicant responses. Each posting of this RFA has resulted in more applications to review, rank, and award in the same time frame.
Question #2: I want to clarify that any activity would have to be either a new program or an expansion of something that we're doing already. Is that correct?
Answer #2: Yes, that is correct. In section 3.2.2. G. of the RFA it states that “Program implementation is expected to expand existing operations or develop new services available to SMVF in Maryland.” In section 3.2.2. H. of the RFA it states that “Program implementation should not supplant existing services or operations.”
Question #3: Do we submit the budget in an Excel or PDF format?
Answer #3: The budget form is a fillable PDF. If you see a different version, you are using the wrong version from an earlier version of the RFA. Please download and use the RFA posted on December 18, 2025. The eMaryland Market Place (eMMA) can only utilize PDF documents.
Questions #4: As a prior applicant, can we reuse our SFY26 RFA Letters of Support?
Answer #4: Yes, if they do not specify they are for the SFY26 RFA since this is the SFY27 RFA and your application should be different based on the answer to question #2.
Question #5: What are the biggest changes in the SFY27 RFA from the SFY26 RFA?
Answer #5:
(1) The maximum funding available to be requested is $225,000.
(2) Only 2 PDF’s are permitted to be submitted in your application: Vol. 1 - Project Narrative and Vol 2 - Budget Narrative. Individual PDF files or folders of PDF files, zipped or otherwise, will not be accepted.
(3) The 10 page Project Narrative (section 4.3.1.2.) must be written following the format outlined.
(4) The Project Narrative (section 4.3.1.2.) must be numbered to show you have not exceeded the 10 page limit.
(5) Requesting your organization’s most recently filed 990 to be submitted.
Question #6: "The Hixson proposal puts a cap on indirect at 15%, however as with last year's addendum, there is a Maryland law that requires a NICRA approved indirect rate. I am wondering if you could provide clarity on this."
Answer #6: This award is not federally funded. After consulting leadership and counsel on the new State law (HB 300 / SB 127), the maximum Indirect Cost Rate allowed under this award is 15%.
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