VA FY27 NOFO SSG Fox SPGP.pdf

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

(SSG Fox SPGP)

Notice of Funding

Opportunity (NOFO)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Basic Information

Agency Contact Information:

Before You Begin (these steps may take several weeks)

Program Description

Eligible Participants

Suicide Prevention Services

See also the Guidance for the Use of Funds Section

Suicide Prevention Services include:

Application Contents and Format (also see Appendices A-C)

Submission Requirements and Deadlines:

Application Review Information

Award Notices

Post-Award Requirements and Administration

Other Information

Appendices

Basic Information

Federal Agency Name Announcement Type

Department of Veterans Affairs New and Renewal

Funding Opportunity Title Funding Opportunity Number

Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant

Program Funding Opportunity

VA-FOX-SP-FY2027

Assistance Listing Number

64.055 Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

Funding Details

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announces the availability of funds for new and renewing suicide prevention grants under the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide

Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) for services in Federal Fiscal Year (FY)

2027.

NOFO Priorities: The principal goal of this NOFO is to seek eligible entities that have demonstrated the ability to provide Veteran suicide prevention services that are allowable under 38 C.F.R. Part 78. VA will consider current grantees as Priority 1 applicants according to 38 C.F.R. § 78.40 and new applicants as Priority 2 according to

38 C.F.R. § 78.30. Under Priority 1, current grantees that are performing satisfactorily may apply to continue their current programming with a funding request equal to or less than their current annualized award. If a Priority 1 applicant is not renewed, the existing grant will end on September 30, 2026. Under Priority 2, VA will accept applications from eligible entities using the application materials designated for new applicants. Following the ranking and selection of renewal applicants under Priority 1, if remaining funds are available, they will be awarded to eligible entities under Priority 2.

Allocation of funds: Approximately $111,900,000 is planned to be available for grant awards under this NOFO. The maximum allowable grant size is $750,000 per year per eligible entity. The expected value of individual awards may range from $100,000 to

$750,000. The expected number of total awards is 150-160 and awards are subject to the availability of funds.

Grant Award Period: Grants awarded will be for a 1-year period starting September 30, 2026.

Key Dates

Applications will open on April 6, 2026 and close at 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 12, 2026.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.40 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.30

In the interest of fairness to all applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and time.

Applicants should submit materials early to avoid unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or other submission-related problems.

Executive Summary

The SSG Fox SPGP directs efforts to reduce Veteran suicide by awarding grants to community-based organizations to directly provide or coordinate the provision of primarily non-clinical suicide prevention services to eligible individuals and their families.

Eligible individuals include certain Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members as defined by statute and regulations.

Veteran suicide risk is reduced by services that improve mental health status, well-being, financial stability, and social support. Services provided by grantees may include case management, peer support, linkage to VA care and benefits, emergency clinical services, faith-based or innovative approaches. Most Veterans who die by suicide were not engaged with VA in the years prior to their deaths. This program addresses a critical gap by engaging and serving Veterans at risk for suicide who were previously out of

VA’s reach and their family members.

These grants support the President’s commitment to increase the excellence of and options for care, benefits, and services for veterans, as well as improve the delivery and quality of the Department's healthcare services in a more efficient and effective manner to support veterans, as demonstrated in Executive Order 14296 – Keeping Promises to

Veterans and Establishing a National Center for Warrior Independence.

This NOFO contains information concerning the SSG Fox SPGP, the grant application process, and the amount of funding available. For detailed program information and requirements, see 38 C.F.R. Part 78.

Agency Contact Information:

Questions may be sent to Ms. Sandra Foley, SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant

Program Director, Office of Suicide Prevention, by email at VASSGFoxGrants@va.gov or phone at (202) 502–0002. (This is not a toll-free telephone number.)

Information regarding how to access the grant application and how to obtain technical assistance with the preparation and submission of the application is available on the

SSG Fox SPGP website at: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/

Eligible Applicants for Funding

Eligible applicants are:

(1) An incorporated private institution or foundation (i) no part of the net earnings of which incurs to the benefit of any member, founder, contributor, or individual; and https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/keeping-promises-to-veterans-and-establishing-a-national-center-for-warrior-independence/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/keeping-promises-to-veterans-and-establishing-a-national-center-for-warrior-independence/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78 mailto:VASSGFoxGrants@va.gov https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/

(ii) that has a governing board that would be responsible for the operation of the suicide prevention services provided under this section;

(2) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by an organization meeting the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) above;

(3) An Indian tribe (including Alaska Natives);

(4) A community-based organization that does not meet criteria for (1), (2), (3) or (5) but can demonstrate that it effectively networks with local civic organizations, regional health systems, and other settings where eligible individuals and their families are likely to have contact; or

(5) A State or local government.

Demonstration of eligibility includes submission of documents as outlined in Appendix A of this NOFO. Cost sharing is not required.

Before You Begin (these steps may take several weeks)

If you believe your organization is a good candidate for this funding opportunity, there are certain requirements to be eligible to apply for and receive a Federal Assistance award. Do not wait until you are ready to submit your application to start these requirements. Incomplete requirements may prevent you from submitting on time.

Prepare these requirements immediately. They may take weeks to complete.

Employer Identification Number (EIN): Federal tax identification number for businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and other entities. Applicants must have an EIN from the

Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

System for Award Management (SAM) Active Registration: All applicants must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in SAM.gov, and an active registration in SAM to be eligible. If your organization previously registered, make sure the UEI registration is validated, active and registered in SAM.gov. Applications submitted without an active

UEI registered in SAM.gov will be rejected at threshold, meaning the application would be considered ineligible. See a checklist for what you will need to register in SAM.

Entities must maintain active status in SAM throughout the application period.

VA may not award a grant to an applicant if the applicant has not complied with the EIN, UEI, and SAM requirements. For more information, see 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and

SAM.gov. Certain requirements also apply to subrecipients and contractors. If awarded a grant, applicants must maintain compliance with EIN, UEI, and SAM requirements for the duration of the grant as a continuing condition of eligibility.

Customer Engagement Portal: A web version of the VA - FSC Vendor File Request

Form (VA10091) must be submitted through the VA Customer Engagement Portal at https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ by the application deadline stated in this NOFO. Ensure that https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number http://www.sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/entity-checklist.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ the information provided on this form aligns with the information listed in SAM.gov.

Applicants must provide proof of this registration with the application.

See also the Key Dates, and Submission Requirements and Deadlines sections.

Accessing the Online Application System

Visit https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/ for information on accessing the online application system, guidance on registering your organization in the online application system, and application technical assistance. Applications are not received through the grants.gov portal.

Keep this NOFO with you when completing the application as it includes supplementary guidance for completing the application. Applications that are incomplete or incorrect may result in the application not being considered for funding.

Program Description

Goals and Objective

The grants are a core aspect of VA’s 10-year National Strategy for Preventing Veteran

Suicide (2018-2028). The SSG Fox SPGP extends suicide prevention efforts beyond clinical settings into non-clinical areas like financial, occupational, legal, and social support services. Services address both mental health and social needs, such as economic hardship and access to care. The program emphasizes social connectedness through peer and family engagement and offers opportunities for faith-based and innovative interventions as avenues for reaching Veterans with risk for suicide. As most

Veterans who die by suicide were not recently engaged in VA healthcare prior to their death1, this program extends VA’s ability to meet Veterans where they are. The goals of

SSG Fox SPGP services are to reduce the Veteran participants’ suicide risk and improve their mental health status, wellbeing, financial stability, and social support.

Purpose and Approach

Suicide prevention services in the SSG Fox SPGP identify and directly address the needs of individual at-risk Veterans and eligible Service Members to reduce their suicide risk.

Each grantee's program includes a unique set of approved services tailored for specific populations and geographic areas. Applicants must clearly describe their program’s proposed suicide prevention services and the identified need for those services.

1 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Suicide Prevention. 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025 from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp

Baseline mental health screening is a required service by all grantees for each eligible individual enrolled in grantee services. The needs identified by these screenings are the foundation for individualized service plans.

SSG Fox SPGP grants cannot be used to fund treatment for mental health or substance use disorders, except for clinical services for emergency treatment. Applicants must provide evidence that they can provide access to such emergency treatment services to all program participants through both referral to local VA medical facilities and formal and informal agreements with community providers. Consistent with Section

201(e)(3)(A) of the Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Health Improvement Act

(Public Law 116-171), “Hannon Act,” codified at 38 U.S.C. § 1720F note, VA expects that grantees coordinate with local VA facilities on a regular basis to provide linkage to health care and other services for eligible individuals. Grantees must have a presence in the local area to meet with individuals and organizations to create referral processes to the grantee and other community resources, including VA.

Eligible Participants

Grantees identify eligible individuals for services in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 78.10, which involves screening for certain military status and risk for suicide.

Per the eligibility screening conducted by grantees with VA-provided tools, eligible individuals are those Veterans or Service members with a lifetime history of a suicide attempt or preparatory behavior for suicide, a recent hospitalization for suicidality, recent suicidal thoughts, or significant presence of psychosocial risk factors. VA will provide access to the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to screen the severity of suicide risk.

If an eligible individual is at risk of suicide or other mental or behavioral health conditions per the C-SSRS or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) within the baseline mental health screening, the grantee must refer such individual to VA for care.

To the extent practicable, those referrals are required to be a “warm hand-off” from the grantee to VA to ensure that the eligible individual receives necessary care. This “warm hand-off” may include providing any necessary transportation to the nearest VA facility, assistance with scheduling an appointment with VA, and any other similar activities that may be necessary to ensure the eligible individual receives necessary care in a timely manner.

Family members may receive certain SSG Fox SPGP services for the purpose of supporting and reducing risk for the eligible individual. Family members are eligible for

SSG Fox SPGP services if the eligible individuals are enrolled in the program.

Suicide Prevention Services

See also the Guidance for the Use of Funds Section.

https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ171/PLAW-116publ171.pdf https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ171/PLAW-116publ171.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.10

Suicide Prevention Services include:

Outreach to identify and engage eligible individuals at highest risk of suicide (see 38

C.F.R. § 78.45): Outreach ensures that Veterans and Service members who are at elevated risk of suicide or who are not receiving health care or other services furnished by VA are identified, engaged, and provided suicide prevention services.

Baseline mental health screening (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.50): All grantees must provide mental health screening to the eligible individuals they serve. The screening determines an eligible individual’s needs which allows the suicide prevention services plan to be customized accordingly. Screening consists of four tools provided electronically by VA.

These tools are the PHQ-9, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), Socio

Economic Status (SES), and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale

(WEMWBS). Screening is done once an eligible individual has agreed to enroll in grantee services and again when services are ending. Pre- and post- screening is a necessary part of evaluating the effectiveness of services provided.

Education (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.55): Education may include suicide prevention gatekeeper training, lethal means safety training, or specific education programs that assist communities, Veterans and families with the identification, assessment, or prevention of suicide. Gatekeeper training generally refers to educational programs that seek to develop individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and skills specific to suicide prevention. Gatekeeper training teaches clinical and non-clinical professionals and other key community members the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond and refer individuals for care.

Clinical services for emergency treatment (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.60): Clinical services may be provided for emergency treatment of a participant. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the definition of emergency treatment in 38 C.F.R. § 78.60(d), which could include emergency mental health conditions and is characterized by acute symptoms of sufficient severity requiring immediate attention. If a participant is provided clinical services for emergency treatment then requires ongoing clinical services, the grantee must refer eligible individuals to VA and family members to appropriate non-VA services for additional care.

Apart from clinical services for emergency treatment under 38 C.F.R. § 78.60(a), funds provided under this grant program may not be used to provide any clinical services

(e.g., psychotherapy, psychiatry, medical care).

Case management services (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.65): Case management services are focused on suicide prevention to effectively assist participants at risk of suicide based on their assessed needs.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.45 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.45 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.50 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.55 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.60 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.60 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.65

Peer support services (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.70): Grantees providing peer support services must help participants understand what resources and supports are available in their area for suicide prevention. Peer support services must be provided by Veterans trained in peer support with similar lived experiences related to suicide or mental health.

Peer support specialists are members of an interdisciplinary team and serve as role models and a resource to assist participants with their mental health recovery. Peer support services by a trained peer support specialist differ from other service offerings that merely include peers.

Qualification standards for peer specialists include the criteria from 38 UU.S.C.

7402(b)(13) that the individual is (1) a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition, and (2) certified by (i) a not-for-profit entity engaged in peer support specialist training as having met such criteria as VA shall establish for a peer support specialist position, or (ii) a state as having satisfied relevant state requirements for a peer support specialist position. VA’s qualification standards for peer specialists may be found at https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/.

Assistance in obtaining VA benefits (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.75): This assistance will provide participants with additional means of awareness and linkage to available VA benefits such as (1) vocational and rehabilitation counseling; (2) supportive services for homeless Veterans; (3) employment and training services; (4) educational assistance;

and (5) health care services. Grantees are not permitted to represent participants before

VA with respect to a claim for VA benefits unless they are recognized for that purpose pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5902. Employees and members of grantees are not permitted to provide such representation unless the individual providing representation is accredited pursuant to 38 U.S.C. Chapter 59.

Assistance in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits and assistance with emergent needs (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.80): Grantees providing this service assist participants in obtaining and coordinating benefits that are provided by Federal, state, local, or tribal agencies, or any other grantee in the service area, by referring the participant to and coordinating with such entity.

There are certain public benefits and assistance for which grantees may only provide participants with referrals. These include: health care services, which consist of (1) health insurance and (2) referrals to a governmental entity or organization that provides

(i) hospital care, nursing home care, outpatient care, mental health care, preventive care, habilitative and rehabilitative care, medical case management, respite care, home care, (ii) the training of any eligible individual’s family in the care of any eligible individual, and (iii) the provision of pharmaceuticals, supplies, equipment, devices, appliances, and assistive technology. Grantees may also refer participants, as https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.70 https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.75 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.80 appropriate, to an entity that provides daily living services relating to the functions or tasks for self-care usually performed in the normal course of a day.

Grantees may provide directly or provide referrals for personal financial planning services; transportation services; temporary income support services (including, among other services, food assistance); fiduciary and representative payee services; legal services to assist eligible individuals with issues that may contribute to the risk of suicide; and childcare. For additional details on these elements, applicants should consult 38 C.F.R. § 78.80.

Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices (see 38 C.F.R. §

78.85): If applicants propose nontraditional and innovative approaches in their grant applications, they must provide adequate detail, and supply evidence or outcomes supporting the services’ effectiveness of improving mental health or mitigating a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behavior. Non-traditional, innovative, and other services are still subject to the requirement that medical or clinical services are not fundable unless emergent, as under 38 C.F.R. § 78.60. VA reserves the right to approve or disapprove nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices to be provided with SSG Fox SPGP funds.

Other services (see 38 C.F.R. § 78.90): Grantees may provide general suicide prevention assistance under this section for expenses specifically associated with gaining or keeping employment or lethal means safety and storage. This assistance may include payment directly to a third party (and not to a participant or their family), in an amount not to exceed $750 per participant during any 1-year period.

Applicants may propose additional suicide prevention services to be provided.

Examples of other services may include, but are not limited to, adaptive sports; equine assisted therapy; in-place or outdoor recreational therapy; substance use reduction programming; non-clinical individual, group, or family counseling; and relationship coaching. VA reserves the right to approve or disapprove other services to be provided using SSG Fox SPGP funds.

Performance Metrics and Targets

Change scores in eligible individuals’ suicide risk, mental health status, wellbeing, financial stability and social support are determined through deidentified submission of pre- and post- service mental health screenings. These scores allow an assessment of individual progress and the collective impact of grant services.

Each grantee proposes a unique program concept, budget, service area, and estimated number of individuals to be served based on their unique community’s assessed needs.

VA evaluates grantee performance in multiple areas, including but not limited to participant service outcome data, grantee alignment with program goals, demonstrated https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.85 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.85 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.90 reach to populations at elevated risk for suicide and not currently served by VA, fiscal management, and timely responsiveness to information requested by VA. 40% of eligible individuals served will be unaffiliated with VA (ever or in past year) at time of grantee intake. 75% of eligible individuals served will be referred to VA. 85% of eligible individuals who complete grantee services will show improvement in at least one of the domains that align with program goals of reducing suicide risk and improving mental health status, well-being, social support and financial stability.

Guidance for the Use of Funds

Grantees will conduct their programs in accordance with 38 C.F.R. Part 78 and 2 C.F.R.

Part 200.

Consistent with section 201(o) of the Hannon Act, only grantees that are a state or local government or an Indian tribe can use grant funds to enter a subcontractor or “pass through” agreement with a community partner under which the grantee may provide funds to the community partner for the provision of services to eligible individuals and their families. However, all grantees may choose to enter into contracts for goods or services because in some situations, resources may be more readily available at a lower cost, or they may only be available, from another party in the community.

Funds can be used to conduct outreach, educate, and connect with eligible individuals who are not engaged with VA services. Any outreach and education that is funded by

SSG Fox SPGP should link directly back to a referral to the grantee’s program for an opportunity to enroll the eligible individual in the program.

Funds must be used to screen for eligibility and suicide risk and enroll individuals in the program accordingly. Prior to providing suicide prevention services, grantees must verify, document, and classify each participant's eligibility for suicide prevention services. Grantees must determine and document each participant's degree of risk of suicide using tools identified in the suicide prevention services grant agreement.

Funds must be used to provide suicide prevention services based on the individual’s screening and assessed needs. Note that some individuals who come through the referral process may not engage in services. Grantees are expected to determine what referrals are appropriate for these individuals for follow-up services.

For each eligible individual enrolled in grantee services, grantees must develop and document an individualized service plan based on the needs identified in the baseline screening. This plan must be developed in consultation with the participant.

Grantees must document the suicide prevention services provided for each participant, how services are provided, the duration of the services, and any goals for the services.

If the eligible individual wishes to enroll in VA health care, the grantee must inform the eligible individual of a VA point of contact for assistance with enrollment.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200

Funds must also be used to evaluate outcomes and effectiveness related to suicide prevention services.

Grantees may make qualifying payments directly to a third party on behalf of a participant in certain situations, including childcare, transportation, food, and housing per 38 C.F.R. § 78.80, and the general suicide prevention assistance described in 38

C.F.R. § 78.90.

Applicants are not required to submit proposals that contain sharing or matching funds.

Additional program guidance is available via the Program Guide, which may be downloaded from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/.

Program Authority

Funding applied for under this NOFO is authorized by section 201 of the Hannon Act.

(38 U.S.C. § 1720F note). Section 201 of the Hannon Act, as amended, authorizes VA to provide grants until September 30, 2026. (Public Law 119-37).

VA has established and implemented the statutory authority for the SSG Fox SPGP in regulations, published as an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register on March 10, 2022 (87 F.R. 13806),FR 13835), and codified at 38 C.F.R. Part 78. The rules and regulations contain all detailed definitions and requirements pertaining to this program.

A subsequent technical correction to the regulation was published in the Federal

Register on March 22, 2022 (87 F.R. 138351610116101). VA adopted the Interim Final

Rule as Final with changes on August 1, 2024 in the Federal Register (89 F.R.

6266362659§ 62663). It is important to review both the Interim Final Rule (majority of content) and Final Rule (new changes).

Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to the requirements of section 201 of the Hannon Act, 38 C.F.R. Part 78, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Awardees under this NOFO will comply with all laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders.

Application Contents and Format (also see Appendices A-C)

Threshold Review: VA will only score applicants who meet the following threshold requirements as per 38 C.F.R. § 78.20:

(1) The application must be filed within the time period established in the NOFO;

(2) Any additional information or documentation requested by VA is provided within the time frame established by VA;

(3) The application must be completed in all parts;

(4) The activities for which the suicide prevention services grant is requested must be eligible for funding;

(5) The applicant’s proposed participants must be eligible to receive suicide https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/10/2022-04477/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/22/2022-05849/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/01/2024-16586/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program prevention services;

(6) The applicant must agree to comply with the requirements of 38 C.F.R. Part

78;

(7) The applicant must not have an outstanding obligation to the Federal

Government that is in arrears and does not have an overdue or unsatisfactory response to an audit; and

(8) The applicant must not be in default by failing to meet the requirements for any previous Federal assistance.

If these threshold requirements are not met, VA will deem applicants to be ineligible for further consideration. Applications submitted without an active UEI in SAM.gov or without fully completing the provided budget template are considered incomplete and will be rejected at threshold, meaning the application would be considered ineligible.

Priority 1 (Renewals): VA’s regulations at 38 C.F.R. § 78.35 describe the criteria that

VA will use to score those grantees who are applying for renewal of a grant. Such criteria will assist with VA’s review and evaluation of grantees to ensure that those grantees have successful existing programs using the previously awarded grant funds and that they have complied with the requirements of 38 C.F.R. Part 78 and section 201 of Hannon Act. The criteria in 38 C.F.R. § 78.35 ensure that renewals of grants are awarded based on the grantee’s program’s success, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with VA goals and requirements for this grant program. In addition to the application score, VA’s ongoing assessment of grantee performance is a factor in renewal decisions.

Using a weighted scoring method, the renewal application is organized into the following sections: Program Outcomes (maximum 55 points), Cost Effectiveness (maximum 20 points); Compliance with Program Goals and Requirements (25 maximum points);

Exhibits (no point values).

VA uses the following criteria to score grantees applying for renewal of a suicide prevention services grant:

(1) The success of the grantee's program, as demonstrated by progress on program goals via outcome measures and surveys.

(2) The cost-effectiveness of the grantee's program.

(3) The extent to which the grantee's program complies with SSG Fox SPGP goals and requirements.

The Exhibit section includes an applicant budget template, to be submitted in a VA-provided Microsoft Excel file. The budget submission must include: 1) the annual budget and 2) budget narrative, which provides a clear description of each of the line items.

Priority 2 (New Applicants): VA’s regulations at 38 C.F.R. § 78.25 describe the criteria https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.35 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.25 that VA will use to score new applications. Applicants must include all required documents in their application submission. Required documents include the completed VA-provided budget template, organizational chart, key personnel resumes, hiring criteria for proposed staff, and documentation to verify eligible entity type. Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, inconsistent, unclear, or incorrectly formatted application package will result in the application being rejected, if not corrected prior to the deadline.

Using a weighted scoring method, VA will use the following criteria to score applicants who are applying for a new suicide prevention services grant:

(1) The background, qualifications, experience, and past performance of the applicant and any community partners identified by the applicant in the suicide prevention services grant application. (maximum 30 points)

(2) The applicant’s program concept and suicide prevention services plan, to include projected number of eligible individuals to be served. Note: program concepts proposing primarily or exclusively unallowed services, such as non-emergent clinical care, will not be considered. (maximum 30 points)

(3) The applicant’s quality assurance and evaluation plan. (maximum 15 points)

(4) The applicant’s financial capability and plan. (maximum 15 points)

(5) The applicant’s area linkages and relations with federal, state, local, or tribal governments or private entities that can enhance services and program effectiveness. (maximum 10 points)

The Exhibit section includes an applicant budget template, to be submitted on the VA-provided Microsoft Excel file. The budget submission must include: 1) the annual budget and 2) budget narrative, which provides a clear description of each of the line items.

Pre-Application Materials

Not Applicable

Application Components

Applicants will follow instructions embedded within the application. For instance, there may be a word limit per text box, and the VA-provided budget template must be used and completed fully. All literature that has been cited needs to be listed as a reference with a corresponding numbering system for identifying the location within the document.

Application overview and sample checklists are available in Appendices A-C of this

NOFO, though applicants are responsible for ensuring that all requirements are met and that all materials are complete in accordance with the entirety of the NOFO.

Submission Requirements and Deadlines:

Address to Request Application Package

Initial and renewal applications are accessed via the electronic grants management system described at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/. Application technical assistance materials are also found on this website. Any questions regarding this process should be referred to SSG Fox SPGP via email at

VASSGFoxGrants@va.gov. For detailed program information and requirements, see

38 C.F.R. Part 78.

UEI and SAM

Applicants must have an EIN from the IRS, a UEI from SAM, and an active registration in SAM to be eligible. See the Before You Begin section.

Submission Instructions

Applicants must submit applications electronically following the instructions found at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/. Applications may not be mailed, hand carried, or sent by facsimile. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and may result in the application being rejected.

Submission Dates and Times

Applications for suicide prevention grants under SSG Fox SPGP must be received by

4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 12, 2026. Awards will fund operations beginning

September 30, 2026. In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour. Applicants should take this into account and make early submission of their materials to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or other delivery-related problems.

Please see the Agency Contact Information section of this NOFO for any technical questions or difficulties with submission. See also the Key Dates section.

Intergovernmental Review

Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs was issued to foster intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development.

This funding opportunity is not subject to E.O. 12372.

Application Review Information

Funding Restrictions

See Threshold Review under Application Contents and Format.

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/ mailto:VASSGFoxGrants@va.gov

In addition to limitations set forth in law, 38 C.F.R. Part 78, and 2 C.F.R. Part 200, per 38 C.F.R. part 78.105, the following restrictions apply:

(1) Funding cannot be used for direct cash assistance to participants and their families.

(2) Funding cannot be used for legal services prohibited pursuant to 38 C.F.R. §

78.80(g).

(3) Funding cannot be used for medical, clinical, or dental care and medicines except for clinical services for emergency treatment authorized pursuant to

38 C.F.R. § 78.60.

(4) Funding cannot be used for any activities considered illegal under Federal law, and any costs identified as unallowable per 2 C.F.R. Part 200, subpart

E.

Additional guidance in the grant agreement and Program Guide note that the SSG Fox

SPGP is not a research and development grant; additionally, costs for infrastructure and vehicle purchases are not generally supported.

Review Criteria

Grant applications will be scored by a VA grant review committee whose members will be trained in understanding the program’s goals, the requirements of the NOFO, VA’s regulations for this Program (38 C.F.R. Part 78), and the prescribed scoring rubrics in

38 C.F.R. § 78.25 and 38 C.F.R. § 78.35 (pursuant to 2 C.F.R. Part 200). Application reviewers are selected for their knowledge of suicide prevention or grants, are in locations other than the applicant’s proposed area, and attest to be free of conflicts of interest for each application. Consistent with 38 C.F.R. § 78.40, if all available grant funds are awarded to renewal grants for existing grantees, no new applications will be awarded.

To be considered for funding, applications must receive at least 60 points and at least one point under each of the criteria noted in the Application Contents and Format and

Scoring Criteria Sections of this NOFO. Renewal applicants must also be assessed by VA as having at minimum, satisfactory performance under the terms of their current grant agreement. After selection of renewal applicants, if there is funding available, VA will rank all new applicants who score at least 60 cumulative points and receive at least one point under each of the criteria noted in the Application Contents and Format and Scoring Criteria sections of this NOFO.

Scoring Criteria:

Reviewers will award points based on each applicant’s responses to the scored items in

Appendix B (renewal) and Appendix C (initial).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.105

For the evaluation criteria and points, see summary below.

Renewal Application Criterion Points

(maximum)

1. Program Outcomes 55

2. Cost Effectiveness 20

3. Compliance with Program Goals and Requirements 25

4. Exhibits (no point values) 0

TOTAL 100

Initial Application Criterion Points

(maximum)

1. Background, Qualifications, Experience, Past Performance 30

2. Program Concept and Services Plan 30

3. Quality Assurance and Evaluation Plan 15

4. Financial Capability and Plan 15

5. Area Linkages and Relations 10

TOTAL 100

Review and Selection Process

As per 38 C.F.R. § 78.30, VA will rank the scores of new applicants in order from highest to lowest as the primary basis for selection. However, VA will give preference to applicants that have demonstrated the ability to provide suicide prevention services, and applicants that can assist eligible Veterans at risk of suicide who are not currently receiving VA health care. Areas with need, such as rural, Tribal, and medically underserved areas; U.S. Territories; and communities with high rates of Veteran suicidal behaviors and/or deaths are a focus for funding decisions. To the extent practicable, VA will also ensure that suicide prevention services grants are provided in as many areas of need as possible.

Passing renewal applications undergo further review for performance. Passing new applications are ranked and recommended for funding depending upon funding https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.30 availability, areas with need, and geographic distribution, including consideration for

States and Territories without a current SSG Fox SPGP grantee.

Numerous VA offices are involved in the clearance process for SSG Fox SPGP award recommendations. The Secretary, or his designee, makes the final selections for awards, in accordance with criteria from 38 C.F.R. § 78.30 and § 78.40.

Risk Review

Prior to making an award, and at any time post-award, VA will review any available information, including its own records and any Office of Management and Budget-designated repository of Governmentwide eligibility or financial integrity information, such as SAM.gov.

VA will comply with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. Parts 180 and 801.

Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, VA will evaluate risks posed by applicants to include review of available information on financial stability, management systems and standards, history of performance, audit reports and findings, and ability to effectively implement requirements. VA may ask applicants or grant recipients to submit additional information regarding their ability to manage Federal funds.

The risk assessment may consider results of the applicant’s eligibility (threshold review) or the quality of its application (merit review). If VA decides to make an award, VA may add specific conditions to the award corresponding to the degree of risk.

Applicants may review and comment on any information in SAM.gov about their organization. If the applicant comments on any SAM.gov records, VA will consider the comment as part of the risk review.

Award Notices

Although subject to change, VA expects to announce grant awards in the fourth quarter of federal FY 2026. VA reserves the right in any year to adjust (e.g., to funding levels) as needed within the intent of the NOFO based on a variety of factors, including the availability of funding. The initial announcement of awards will be made via a news release posted on VA's SSG Fox SPGP website at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants. The SSG Fox SPGP will concurrently notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants of the outcome of their applications via electronic mail. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a link to a recorded webinar with general feedback. Only a grant agreement with a VA signature is evidence of an award and is an authorizing document allowing costs to be incurred against a grant award.

Other notices, letters, or announcements are not authorizing documents. The grant agreement includes the terms and conditions of the award and must be signed by the entity and VA to be legally binding.

http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants

Applicants not selected for funding receive a link to a webinar that provides feedback specific to this NOFO’s scoring and ranking process, including examples of what led to low scores and non-selection. Individual scoring results or comments on applications are not released, as such details would create an unfair advantage in future funding cycles.

Post-Award Requirements and Administration

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

After receiving funding, grant recipients must follow specific laws, rules, and regulations.

This includes federal laws, program regulations, program requirements, Executive

Orders, requirements outlined in this NOFO, and the terms and conditions outlined in the award agreement. By applying and signing the SF-424, applicants confirm that their entity will adhere to these requirements.

Applicants selected in response to this NOFO shall notify SSG Fox SPGP of the start and end dates of their fiscal years, the amount of any other Federal awards they have received since the beginning of the fiscal year during which the application was submitted, the dates of those awards, and whether they have undergone an audit in accordance with 31 U.S.C. Chapter 75.

Reporting

In addition to the grantee reporting requirements described in 38 C.F.R. § 78.145, applicants should be aware of the following:

(1) Upon execution of a suicide prevention services grant agreement with VA, grantees will have a liaison appointed by the SSG Fox SPGP who will provide oversight and monitor the use of funds to provide suicide prevention services provided to participants.

(2) VA requires that grantees use validated tools and assessments furnished by

VA to determine the effectiveness of the suicide prevention services. These include any measures and metrics developed and provided by VA for the purposes of measuring the effectiveness of the programming in improving mental health status, well-being, financial stability, and social support, and in reducing suicide risk of eligible individuals. Grantees will be required to use the secure, web-based VA Data Collection Tool for this purpose.

(3) Grantees must provide each participant with a satisfaction survey, which the participant can submit directly to VA, within 30 days of such participant’s pending exit from the grantee’s program. This is required to assist VA in evaluating grantees’ performance and participants’ satisfaction with services.

The award grant agreement will provide additional details on reporting.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.145

Monitoring

In addition to the grantee performance evaluation described above, monitoring will also include the submission of periodic and annual financial and performance reports by the grantee in accordance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200. The grantee is expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee’s proposed program concept, as described in the grantee’s application or in any approved revisions.

Consistent with 38 C.F.R. § 78.135, VA has the right, at all reasonable times, to make onsite visits to all grantee locations and have virtual meetings where a grantee is using suicide prevention services grant funds to review grantee accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such technical assistance as may be required.

Grantees will be responsible for adhering to general operational requirements per 38

C.F.R. § 78.95 and the oversight of the Federal award. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. §§

200.329 through 200.333, the recipient, and subrecipient when applicable, must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations.

Other Information

Payments To Grantees

Grantees will receive payments electronically through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System. Grantees will have the ability to request payments as frequently as they choose. Grantees must have internal controls in place to ensure funding is available for the full duration of the grant period of performance, to the extent possible. As described in 38 C.F.R. § 78.140, costs for administration by a grantee will be consistent with 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is necessary to evaluate the impact that participation in the SSG

Fox SPGP has on eligible individuals’ suicide risk, mental health status, well-being, financial stability, and social support, as required by the Hannon Act.

As part of the national program evaluation, grantees must input data regularly in VA’s web-based Data Collection Tool. VA will ensure that grantees have access to the data they need to gather and summarize program impacts and lessons learned;

performance indicators used for grantee selection and success; and the criteria associated with the best outcomes for Veterans.

Training and technical assistance for data collection and program evaluation will be provided by VA, which will coordinate with subject matter experts to provide various https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.135 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.95 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78/section-78.95 trainings, including the use of measures and metrics required for this program.

Executive Orders

VA is required to ensure compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and

Executive Orders when evaluating and awarding grants. In accordance with Executive

Order 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, aside from the evaluation criteria published in this announcement, VA has discretion to remove from consideration any applicant VA deems does not demonstrably advance the President’s or VA’s priorities. VA will not fund activities that use racial preference for eligibility criteria or promote gender ideology.