Publication date: March 27, 2026

VA-SPORTS-26

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Basic Information

II. Before You Begin (these steps may take several weeks)

III. Eligibility

IV. Program Description

V. Application Contents and Format

VI. Submission Requirements and Deadlines:

VII. Application Review Information

VIII. Award Notices

IX. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

X. Other Information

XI. Appendices

I. Basic Information

Federal Agency Name

Announcement Type

Department of Veterans Affairs

Initial

Funding Opportunity Title

Funding Opportunity Number

VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program

VA-SPORTS-26

Assistance Listing Number

64.034

Funding Details

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events (NVSPSE) announces the availability of $16,000,000 (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program to fund adaptive sports opportunities, such as cycling, fishing and pickleball. VA anticipates funding 100 applications, with maximum funding set per organization at $750,000.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) assumes that Congress will extend the authority and appropriate funds consistent with 38 U.S.C. 521A (g)(1). The NOFO contains information concerning adaptive sports, the renewal and new adaptive sports grant application processes, and the amount of funding available. This is a one-year award pending availability of funds and grantee performance.

Key Dates

Applications for grants must be received by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 13, 2026.

Corrections/changes to the initial application may be submitted through Grants.gov prior to the submission deadline. A complete application package is required for any corrections/changes to the initial application. If multiple submissions are received, the last (date and time stamp) complete submission will be reviewed

In the interest of fairness to all applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and time. VA will treat any application received after the deadline as ineligible. Applicants should submit materials early to avoid risk of ineligibility, unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or other submission-related problems.

On-time submission requires an Entity Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from the System for Award https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section521A&num=0&edition=prelim

Management (SAM), and an active SAM registration. For details, see also the Before You Begin section.

Executive Summary

The mission of the NVSPSE office is to provide opportunities for Veterans to improve their independence, well-being, and quality of life through adaptive sports and therapeutic arts programs. The Adaptive Sports Grant Program aids in meeting this mission by awarding grants to Non-Federal Government entities with significant experience in managing a large-scale adaptive sports program to plan, develop, manage, and implement programs to provide adaptive sports opportunities for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. These grants support the President’s priority to increase the excellence of and options for care, benefits, and services for veterans, as demonstrated in Executive Order 14296 - Keeping Promises to Veterans and Establishing a National Center for Warrior Independence and the promotion of outdoor access, as demonstrated in the Executive Order 14313 - Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission. Awards are for one year starting on or around September 30, 2026. The goals and objectives of this NOFO are described in the Program Description section.

Additional details on eligibility can be found in 38 C.F.R. 77.2 or the Eligibility section of this NOFO ; application types can be found in 38 C.F.R. 77.4 and the Application Contents and Format section of this NOFO; selection criteria can be found in 38 C.F.R.

77.5 and the Application Review Information section of this NOFO; additional criteria can be found in 38 C.F.R. 77.8.

Agency Contact Information:

Questions may be sent to Grants4Vets@va.gov.

If copies of the application materials and technical assistance resources are available on the NVSPSE grant program webpage.

II. Before You Begin (these steps may take several weeks)

Entity Identifiers

If you believe your organization is a good candidate for this funding opportunity, get your EIN, UEI, and active SAM.gov registration now.

If your organization already is registered in SAM.gov, make sure the registration is active and up to date.

EIN

Your organization must have an EIN from the IRS.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F05%2Fkeeping-promises-to-veterans-and-establishing-a-national-center-for-warrior-independence%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cedaf3fb5d0b04113d37f08de2d02b8c8%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638997686870773652%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HGBTd7N%2FXHZc%2BewFnwriuWXfYEi3V7sZuQbKBDoigUk%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F05%2Fkeeping-promises-to-veterans-and-establishing-a-national-center-for-warrior-independence%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cedaf3fb5d0b04113d37f08de2d02b8c8%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638997686870773652%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HGBTd7N%2FXHZc%2BewFnwriuWXfYEi3V7sZuQbKBDoigUk%3D&reserved=0 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/establishing-the-presidents-make-america-beautiful-again-commission/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/establishing-the-presidents-make-america-beautiful-again-commission/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.4 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.8 mailto:Grants4Vets@va.gov https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/grant-program/ http://www.sam.gov/

SAM.gov Your organization must have a UEI from SAM.gov.

Your organization must have an active registration with SAM.gov.

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 the information provided on this form aligns with the information listed in SAM.gov. This form is required for all applicants. Proof of registration should be included in application packet.

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

Do not wait until you are ready to submit your application to start these requirements.

Incomplete requirements may prevent you from submitting on time.

Applications submitted without an active UEI may be rejected at threshold, meaning the application would be considered ineligible.

For information about SAM, see also the Key Dates, Eligibility, and Submission Requirements and Deadlines sections.

Registering in the Online Application System

To apply for funding in response to this NOFO, submit your application and all related materials through the Grants.gov portal. For guidance on registering your organization with Grants.gov, see the Applicant Registration steps. Files should use naming conventions in Application Components in this NOFO. Applications that are incomplete or incorrect may result in the application not being considered for funding.

Reminders: Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the date stated in the Key Dates section. Keep this NOFO with you when completing the application. It includes supplementary guidance for completing the application.

III. Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

An applicant must qualify as a Non-Federal Government entity with significant experience in managing a large-scale adaptive sports program, as defined in 38 C.F.R.

77.2, for persons with disabilities if those disabilities are the same as those of Veterans with disabilities, and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities.

To demonstrate significant experience, all the key personnel identified in the adaptive sports grant application of the entity must have experience implementing the adaptive http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.2 sports activities to be provided and have experience working with persons with disabilities that many disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces to be served through the adaptive sports grant have. The experience must be for two continuous years immediately prior to the date of submission to VA of the grant application. When more than one entity would be engaged in the provision of the adaptive sport activities, the entity applying for the adaptive sports grant must provide documentation that verifies that through the partnership, it has the experience necessary to implement all the adaptive sports activities proposed in the adaptive sports grant application.

38 C.F.R. 77.2 defines a large-scale adaptive sports program as:

(1) An adaptive sports program of a National Paralympic Committee (NPC) or of a National Governing Body (NGB) that is authorized to provide Paralympic sports programs in one or more States;

(2) An adaptive sports program of a NGB that has been recognized by an external validating authority if the programs validated by that authority would meet the requirements of paragraph (3) of this definition if considered one program; and

(3) An adaptive sports program in which at least 50 persons with disabilities participate or in which the persons with disabilities who participate in the program reside in at least five different congressional districts.

Cost Sharing

This program does not require cost sharing.

IV. Program Description

Purpose

The Adaptive Sports Grant Program provides grants to eligible entities to plan, develop, manage, and implement programs to provide adaptive sports activities for Veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. This program provides opportunities for Veterans to improve their independence, well-being, and quality of life through adaptive sports programs.

Funding Priorities

The primary goal for this NOFO is to seek eligible entities that have expertise to meet the needs and priorities for Veterans with disabilities and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities.

Priorities to be supported by this NOFO are:

• providing adaptive sports in assorted activities that are of interest to Veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities;

• providing adaptive sports for Veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities in geographic regions where limited adaptive sports opportunities are available for this population; and

• in-person or web-based training for VA adaptive sports providers that minimizes required travel and maximizes effectiveness.

Goals and Objective

The objective of the NVSPSE office is to provide opportunities for Veterans to improve their independence, well-being, and quality of life through adaptive sports and therapeutic arts programs. VA makes awards to qualifying organizations to plan, develop, manage, and implement programs to provide adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. These grant programs expand the reach of VA to provide adaptive sports opportunities to Veterans with disabilities.

VA will submit a Congressional Mandated Report (CMR) on the impact of the programming provided through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program funded by this NOFO. Outcomes reported include total adaptive sports opportunities provided, geographic diversity of programming provided, number of unique Veterans served, and funding utilization. Previously submitted CMRs are available online.

Performance Metrics and Targets

Programming reported by grant recipients through quarterly and annual reports are compiled to provide the metrics reported in the annual CMR.

Programmatic review considers past performance of grant applicants. Recipients will be evaluated on the quality and timeliness of programmatic and financial reporting. All recipients must submit to VA a quarterly report 30 days after the close of each Federal fiscal quarter of the grant period which includes the same information required for annual reports, as well as projected change requests if applicable as identified in 38 C.F.R. 77.16 and 2 C.F.R. 200.328, § 200.329 §, 200.330.

Fully successful performance of the award will be defined by the following targets:

• Quarterly and annual reports completed on time.

• All deliverables met as proposed.

• Met or exceeded proposed number of Veterans to be served.

• Proposed budget within 90% of actual grant expenses.

• Outreach plan executed.

• Grant closed out within 120 days or period performance end date.

Guidance for the Use of Funds

Applicant’s request for funding must be consistent with the limitations on and uses of https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/cmr/Veterans%20Affairs%20Department https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.16 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.16 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32 grant funds set forth in 38 C.F.R. 77.14 and this NOFO. In accordance with the regulations and this NOFO, the following requirements apply to grants awarded under this NOFO:

(1) Funds received by a single organization from this funding source for the 12-month period may not exceed $750,000.

a. Renewal applications may not exceed a 3% increase from FY 2025 awarded amount, with a maximum award amount of $750,000.

(2) A maximum of 5% of grant funds may be allocated for all administrative expenses (including “Personnel (Administrative)” and “Administrative (Non- Personnel)”), which includes any costs associated with an employee when not directly providing coaching or training for participants. The 5% rate is mandated by 38 U.S.C. 521A and applies unique definitions of administrative costs that supersede other Federal non-legislative guidance.

(3) Funding cannot be utilized to support research activities.

(4) Funding cannot be utilized to reimburse medical services (those traditionally funded by insurance).

(5) Funding cannot be utilized to reimburse expenses incurred prior to the period of performance.

(6) Construction is not authorized through this grant mechanism; however, funding may be used to purchase equipment that would allow for safe transfers in and out of sports equipment/sports environments and improve accessibility to disabled Veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

Eligible Participants

Grant funds may be used to fund participation of Veterans or members of the Armed Forces with disabilities.

38 C.F.R. 77.14(d) states funding cannot be utilized to support or provide services to individuals with disabilities who are not Veterans or members of the Armed Forces.

38 C.F.R. 77.14(e) states funding cannot be utilized to support or provide services (including adaptive sports activities) to Veterans or former servicemembers who are barred from receiving VA benefits based on their service (see 38 U.S.C. 5303-5303A) and to Veterans or former servicemembers who, if otherwise eligible, would be barred from receiving VA pension, compensation, or dependency and indemnity compensation based on the character of their discharge from military service (see 38 C.F.R. 3.12).

Program Authority

This grant program is authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 521A. VA implements the Adaptive Sports Grant Program by regulation in 38 C.F.R. § 77. Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to the requirements of the aforementioned regulation and other applicable laws and regulations.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.14 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section521A&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.14 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.14 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title38/pdf/USCODE-2023-title38-partIV-chap53-sec5303.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.12 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section521A&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/part-77

V. Application Contents and Format

This NOFO includes two categories that applicants can apply for:

(1) Renewal Application

a. After receiving an initial grant, FY 2025 grantees may apply for a renewal grant if the grantee plans to propose the same programming for FY 2026.

The grantee must submit to VA a complete renewal application as described in the NOFO in Application Components. Renewal applications are competitive grants and will be evaluated under competitive grant selection processes.

Please note: FY 2025 grantees may only apply under one category. If applications are submitted under multiple categories, all applications will be disqualified for review.

(2) Initial Application

a. New applicants and current FY 2025 grantees that choose to submit a new application, which may include changes to programming or funding.

The applicant must submit to VA a complete grant application package, as described in the NOFO in Application Components.

Pre-Application Materials

Not Applicable.

Application Components

A checklist of required and optional components is included in Appendix A.

1) Renewal Applications

There are two components that are required to make a complete grant application, and one additional optional component. Documents for components requiring specific forms, and additional resources including a Frequently Asked Questions document, can be found on Grants.gov and the NVSPSE grant program webpage.

REQUIRED: Adaptive Sport Grant Application VA Form 10096 – Requested file name:

“VA-10096”. This document should be saved and uploaded as a PDF.

VA Form 10096 can be found on the NVSPSE grant program webpage. All fields in the form must be completed for the form to be considered complete. Applications including an incomplete VA Form 10096 may be screened out during the administrative review.

For the deliverables section (Exhibit A), renewal applicants should clearly list the deliverables approved for funding the prior year. If written approval was provided prior to http://www.grants.gov/ https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/grant-program/ the publication of this NOFO to adjust the deliverables, the adjusted deliverables may be captured in this section.

Within the Program Budget (Exhibit B), expenses may be adjusted from prior year funds to include no more than a 3% increase in each funding category. Reminder that personnel expenses should be delineated between Personnel (Operational) and Personnel (Administrative) expenses. Personnel (Operational) are any reimbursement cost associated with time spent by such an employee directly providing coaching or training for participants, and Personnel (Administrative) are any cost associated with an employee of the eligible entity other than reimbursement for time spent by such an employee directly providing coaching or training for participants. Any contracted work must adhere to 38 U.S.C. 521A(d)(4)-(5). A maximum of 5% of grant funds may be allocated for all administrative expenses, including “Personnel (Administrative)” and “Administrative (Non-Personnel)”.

Additional guidance/suggestions related to completion of this form can be found on the NVSPSE grant program webpage. It is a requirement that all grant recipients participate in a joint outreach campaign with VA, consistent with 38 C.F.R. 77.11, to inform all eligible Veterans and separating members of the Armed Forces with disabilities about the existence of the adaptive sports activities funded by the grant. This plan can be detailed in the outreach section of VA Form 10096.

REQUIRED: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)–Complete through Grants.gov.

This form is completed through Grants.gov and will be included as part of the application.

OPTIONAL: Letters of Support/Collaboration (Combine all letters into a single document)–Requested title “Support”. This document should be saved and uploaded as a PDF.

Letters of collaboration and support may be provided to demonstrate the applicant has relationships that will allow them to successfully recruit the population targeted in the proposal. These letters may come from, but are not limited to, VA medical centers, Department of War (DoW) medical treatment facilities, and Veteran Service Organizations. It is recommended these letters highlight the willingness of correspondent to collaborate and assist the applicant in identifying eligible participants for the proposed activities.

(2) Initial Applications

There are six components that are required to make a complete grant application, and one additional optional component. Documents for components requiring specific forms, and additional resources including a Frequently Asked Questions document, can be found on Grants.gov and the NVSPSE grant program webpage.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section521A&num=0&edition=prelim https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/grant-program/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.11 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

REQUIRED: Adaptive Sport Grant Application VA Form 10096 – Requested file name:

“VA-10096”. This document should be saved and uploaded as a PDF.

VA Form 10096 can be found on the NVSPSE grant program webpage. All fields in the form must be completed for the form to be considered complete. Applications including an incomplete VA Form 10096 may be screened out during the administrative review.

For the deliverables section (Exhibit A), all applicants should clearly indicate the:

• sport offered/training provided,

• city and state where the programming will be conducted,

• frequency of the programming,

• deliverable start dates and completion dates,

• the estimated number of unique Veterans served/adaptive sports providers trained, and

• budget estimate for each deliverable.

Within the Program Budget (Exhibit B), personnel expenses should be delineated between Personnel (Operational) and Personnel (Administrative) expenses. Personnel (Operational) are any reimbursement cost associated with time spent by such an employee directly providing coaching or training for participants, and Personnel (Administrative) are any cost associated with an employee of the eligible entity other than reimbursement for time spent by such an employee directly providing coaching or training for participants. Any contracted work must adhere to 38 U.S.C. 521A(d)(4)-(5).

A maximum of 5% of grant funds may be allocated for all administrative expenses, including “Personnel (Administrative)” and “Administrative.

Additional guidance/suggestions related to completion of this form can be found on the NVSPSE grant program webpage. It is a requirement that all grant recipients participate in a joint outreach campaign with VA, consistent with 38 C.F.R. 77.11, to inform all eligible Veterans and separating members of the Armed Forces with disabilities about the existence of the adaptive sports activities funded by the grant. This plan can be detailed in the outreach section of VA Form 10096.

REQUIRED: Narrative (10 single-spaced pages maximum) – Requested title “Narrative”. This document should be saved and uploaded as a PDF.

The Narrative must be formatted in 12-point font. This document provides an opportunity to expand upon the information in the exhibits of VA Form 10096. Any additional information related to VA Form 10096 can be included in the same format as the VA Form 10096. For example, additional deliverables may be proposed using the same table as Exhibit A in that form.

The Narrative must include detailed information regarding the proposal that allows the VA Adaptive Sports Grant review team to fully understand the applicant’s project plan and ability to execute this plan, in relation to the scoring criteria listed in Merit Review https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/grant-program/ https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section521A&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.11

Criteria of this NOFO and the priorities of the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program listed in Funding Priorities of this NOFO. The Narrative must also include evidence of eligibility in accordance with 38 C.F.R. 77.2 and the Eligibility section of this NOFO. A listing of proposed sports should be provided, to include location for each sport, cost per participant, and number of veterans proposed to be served.

REQUIRED: Budget Details (2-page maximum) – Requested title “Budget Details”. This document should be saved and uploaded as a PDF.

This document must be formatted in 12-point font. Table format is allowable and encouraged.

• This document should convey the amounts in each cost category (supplies, operations, etc.) for the proposed deliverables and justifications for each amount.

• This document should list estimated cost per veteran per session and comparable market value.

• This document should summarize items that are in each deliverable category (Deliverable #1 supplies shoes, skis, harnesses).

• This document should state the cost per veteran per activity session.

• This document should be utilized to expand on the Exhibit B and Exhibit C of the

VA Form 10096. Budget Details should include an explanation of the budget and a categorical description of proposed costs. An example of an itemized budget can be found in Appendix B.

REQUIRED: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) – Complete through Grants.gov.

This form is completed through Grants.gov and will be included as part of the application.

REQUIRED: VA-FSC Vendor File Request Form VA Form 10091.

A web version of this document 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 the information provided on this form aligns with the information listed in SAM.gov. This form is required for all applicants. Proof of registration should be included in application packet.

REQUIRED (only if applicable): Letters of Partnership (Combine all letters into a single document) – Requested title “Partnership”. This document should be saved and uploaded as a PDF.

If the adaptive sports activities will be implemented through partnerships as described in 38 C.F.R. 77.5(a)(5) and 77.8(b), signed documentation of the partners confirming a partnership must be submitted. Letters of partnership should include details of the scope of activities and if applicable, scope of funding involved in the partnership. If these letters are not provided as directed, the proposal will be evaluated as if the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.2 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.8 partnership has not been officially established. Additional supporting attachments may be provided at the applicant’s discretion as part of the application. Letters of recommendation from individuals and entities that are not involved in delivery of adaptive sports services do not qualify as partnership letters.

OPTIONAL: Letters of Support/Collaboration (Combine all letters into a single document) – Requested title “Support”. This document should be saved and uploaded as a PDF.

Letters of collaboration and support may be provided to demonstrate the applicant has relationships that will allow them to successfully recruit the population targeted in the proposal. These letters may come from, but are not limited to, VA medical centers, DoW medical treatment facilities, and Veteran Service Organizations. It is recommended these letters highlight the willingness of correspondent to collaborate and assist the applicant in identifying eligible participants for the proposed activities

VI. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Address to Request Application Package

This NOFO contains everything an applicant will need, including links to Grants.gov and the NVSPSE grant program webpage which contain required forms and form support.

UEI and SAM

Applicants must have an EIN from the IRS, a UEI from SAM, and an active registration in SAM to be eligible. Entities must maintain an 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. parts 200 and 25 as well as SAM.gov. Certain requirements also apply to subrecipients and contractors.

If an applicant is not compliant with the EIN, UEI, or SAM requirements at the time of grant application, the grant applicant may not be able to apply through Grants.gov. If these requirements are not maintained throughout the application period, VA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and may use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant or for making a different funding decision.

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.

Information also is available in the Before You Begin section.

Submission Instructions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25

All grant applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Submissions will not be accepted for consideration if received through any alternate methods.

A guide for registering with Grants.gov is available in the Before You Begin section.

Authorization of roles, including the ability to submit an application on behalf of an organization, is managed by the E-Business Point of Contact for that organization. If you do not know the E-Business Point of Contact for your organization, please reach out to Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Applications must be submitted as a complete package through Grants.gov. Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and may result in the application being rejected.

Submissions must be submitted through Grants.gov by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the date stated in the Key Dates and Submission Dates and Times section.

After an applicant has submitted a complete application, an applicant may submit an amendment to the grant application package, as described under 38 C.F.R. 77.6. An amendment submitted after the application submission deadline and prior to the grant award cannot change the scope of the original application or increase the amount of the grant requested by more than a total of 10-percent. An applicant seeking to amend its grant application must submit a narrative description of, and clear justification for, the requested changes, and a revised Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance). Amendments submitted after the application submission deadline will not be considered during the Administrative or Merit Review stages. Consideration of amendments will only occur for applications that progress to the Programmatic Review stage.

For technical assistance submitting through Grants.gov, reach out to Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Submission Dates and Times

As stated in the Key Dates section, applications for grants must be received by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 13, 2026.

In the interest of fairness to all applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and time. VA will treat any application received after the deadline as ineligible. Applicants should submit materials early to avoid risk of ineligibility, unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or other submission-related problems.

On time submission requires an Entity Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from the System for Award Management (SAM), and an active SAM registration. For details, see also the Before You Begin section.

http://www.grants.gov/ https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.6 http://www.grants.gov/ https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants mailto:support@grants.gov

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.

To learn about a specific state’s process, see the single point of contact list.

VII. Application Review Information

Administrative Review

VA will only score applications that meet the following minimum requirements:

• The application is filed within the time period and submission process established in the NOFO.

• The application includes all required components listed in Application Components of this NOFO.

o The VA will attempt to open documents but will not troubleshoot any problems related to opening files. Files that cannot be opened will be considered as not submitted.

• Funds requested by a single organization (e.g. UEI) do not exceed $750,000. Multiple applications from a single organization may be considered under this NOFO if the total requested across all applications does not exceed $750,000. If this limit is exceeded by a single organization, all applications will be removed from funding consideration.

o The VA will accept the final/last submission for review in cases of accidental duplicated application submissions by an organization.

Duplicate applications will be considered as a single unique application.

o FY 2025 grantees may only apply under one category, renewal or initial submission. If applications are submitted under both categories, both applications will be disqualified for review.

• Administrative fees are within 5% of total funds requested.

• The applicant has an active SAM.gov registration in good standing (not debarred or delinquent) for the duration of the review period.

• The applicant is an eligible entity, as defined in Eligibility section.

• The applicant does 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.

• The applicant is not in default by failing to meet the requirements for any previous Federal assistance.

Additional requirements for Renewal Applications Only:

https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12372 https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/spoc-list/ https://sam.gov/

• Proposed deliverables are the same as the approved FY 2025 deliverables.

• Budget does not exceed a 3% increase in any single budget category.

Administrative review applicant checklist can be found in Appendix C for applicant use.

The checklist can be used as a guide when preparing the application package to ensure that the application has met administrative screening criteria. This checklist is only an aid for applicants and should not be included in the application package.

If the application does not meet all the Administrative Review requirements, the application will not move forward to the merit review process and will not be further considered for funding under this NOFO.

Merit Review Criteria

Renewal Applications

Renewal applications will be assigned the same merit review score that the application received during the FY 2025 review.

Initial Applications

Programmatic Plan – Information is best displayed, but not limited to, the following documents: VA Form 10096, Narrative

• NOFO Compliance (5 points) – Applications that comply with the NOFO will receive 5 points. Points may be deducted for applications that include documents exceeding page limit guidelines, or extraneous documents not stated in Application Components. Compliance is defined as:

o Documents are within page limit guidelines.

o Only documents stated in Application Components listed in this NOFO are submitted. Additional documents will not be reviewed.

o Deliverables are written appropriately.

• Adaptive Sports Activities (10 points) o Adaptive sports activities to be provided are clearly stated on VA Form

10096.

o There is an interest and need for the specific adaptive sports activities in the proposed areas of performance.

o Target population/disability groups for each proposed activity are clearly stated.

o Any adaptations required for target population are clearly stated.

• Program Objectives and Design (15 points) o Program’s concept, goals, and objectives are clearly defined.

o Programming is evidence-based and related to sport and population.

o Each deliverable describes the activity and/or event to be implemented.

o Each deliverable includes an expected number of veterans or trainees served.

o Actions that do not serve attendees (such as outreach and purchasing of equipment) are distributed amongst deliverables.

o Locations, dates, and/or frequency are provided for each deliverable.

• Program Management and Past Performance (15 points) o Information regarding program history, staff qualifications, and overall past performance (with particular focus on activities and disabilities served) is clearly provided.

o Primary staff holds proper certification for activity and disability served.

o Functions of key personnel are clearly explained.

o Proposal demonstrates an understanding that award shall not reimburse any medical services.

o Evidence of safety measures and policies are clearly stated, including an emergency action plan, inclement weather plan, and First Aid/ Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) requirements.

• Capability for Successful Execution of Program (15 points) o Evidence of disabled service member population in geographical region is provided.

o Ability to recruit target population (Veterans and/or Servicemembers with disabilities or trainees) is clearly defined.

o Timeframe is reasonable for successful execution of the proposed plan.

• Collaborations (10 points) o Partnerships and collaborating organizations are clearly defined and provide a clear benefit to implementation of the program.

o Responsibilities of partners and collaborating organizations are clearly stated.

o Relationships with VA Medical Centers, Department of Defense facilities, and Veteran Service Organizations are evidenced through Memorandum of Agreements, Letters of Partnership, and/or Letters of Support.

Financial Capability and Plan – Information is displayed, but not limited to, the following documents: VA Form 10096, SF-424, Budget Details, Narrative.

• Capability (5 points) o Experience managing funds is clearly stated,

• Plan (15 points) o Budget is justified and clearly explained within the proposal.

o Expenses are distributed amongst deliverables (i.e. outreach, program equipment, and administrative costs should be distributed amongst deliverables and should not be listed as their own deliverables).

o Budget Details are clear, itemized, include specific cost estimates, and directly correlates to deliverables.

o Budget Details include an estimated cost per veteran per visit.

o A clear and specific budget breakdown is provided.

o Please ensure that your grant request only includes whole dollar amounts by stating this clearly in the budget section and rounding all line items accordingly.

• Reasonableness of Costs (10 points) o Budgeted costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable under 2 C.F.R.

Part 200 Subpart E and produce good value for the amount of funds paid for proposed activities.

o Budgeted costs are comparable to regional market value for similar goods and services and adhere to GSA rates when applicable.

o Proposal demonstrates an understanding that award funding shall be allocated solely to Veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities.

o Costs including storage and/or leased space and vehicles must include a strong justification and state allocability to the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program.

o Travel funds of 20% or less of the total grant award are usual and customary. Travel funds greater than 20% of the total grant award may be allowable but require detailed written justification in the required Narrative document described in Application Components in this NOFO.

o Budget does not include travel for VA employees in official duty status.

o Budget does not include costs to support athlete or staff travel to attend

VA national rehabilitation events (National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, National Veterans Golden Age Games, National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic).

Scoring Criteria:

The below Merit Review scoring criteria only applies to applications submitted as an Initial application. Renewal applications will receive the same Merit Review score that the FY2025 application during the FY2025 merit review. As allowable under 38 C.F.R.

77.12(f), applications receiving a score of less than 65 will be removed from further consideration for funding.

As recommended by 38 C.F.R. 77.5(b), relative weight of review criteria is included in the table below.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.5

Criterion Points

(maximum)

Programmatic Plan

NOFO Compliance 5

Adaptive Sports Activities 10

Program Objectives and Design 15

Program Management and Past Performance 15

Capability for Successful Execution of Program 15

Collaborations 10

Financial Capability and Plan

Capability 5

Plan 15

Reasonableness of Costs 10

TOTAL 100

Review and Selection Process

Applications undergo a three-phased review process: administrative, merit, and programmatic. Renewal grants will be assigned the same merit review score that the FY25 received during the FY2025 merit review, and will not undergo a full re-review of application content. Initial and Renewal applications with a Merit Review score of 65 or higher will be considered in the programmatic review.

The programmatic review will review applications considering the following criteria:

• Merit review score;

• The proposed program provides adaptive sports opportunities following stated Funding Priorities in this NOFO;

• Total grant funds allocated for a specific type of disability (e.g. vision loss, wheelchair sports); and

• Past performance of grant applicants who received funding for any funding cycles starting on or after 9/30/2022, through start date 9/30/2024. Performance reviews will include areas such as deliverables met, funding expended and compliance with expired grant closures.

The Programmatic Review will determine final funding decisions.

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. Part 180 and 801.

VA will conduct a business risk assessment in accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200.206. VA will review risk using GrantSolutions' Recipient Data Insights (RDI) to assess the risk of each potential grant recipient through consolidated data from multiple sources (e.g., SAM.gov, audits, payments) to identify potential fraud, waste, compliance issues, and financial red flags. VA may ask applicants or grant recipients to submit additional information regarding their ability to manage Federal funds.

Risk assessment will continue after award through visits to monitor operations and compliance, in accordance with 38 C.F.R. Part 77.18. These sessions will include monitoring such as assessment for compliance with established policies and procedures to address quality risks and identification of deficiencies in quality management, including deficiencies discovered during the monitoring process, ultimately providing a corrective action plan to address the deficiencies, evaluate the effectiveness of the remedial actions, and modify them as necessary if the actions are not effective.

VIII. Award Notices

NVSPSE will send notices regarding the recommendation to fund or not fund the application to individuals listed as the “person to be contacted on matters involving this application” (Section f. in SF-424).

Notice to grant applicants who will not be funded through this grant program will be notified via email as decisions are made, or by September 30, 2026.

Notice to grant applicants who will be funded through this grant program will be notified via email by September 30, 2026. These notifications will include the award agreement to be signed. This award agreement is the authorizing document that obligates funds and will be the authorization to begin performance on the award start date.

IX. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The grant agreement includes the terms and conditions of the award and must be signed by VA to be legally binding. Applicants may review the general award information at the NVSPSE grant program webpage. VA places great emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in place to monitor grants provided under this NOFO. VA may impose specific conditions or remedies for noncompliance, including recovery of funds or termination of the grant, at any point during the grant http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-VIII/part-801 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-77.18 https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf period (38 C.F.R. 77.17, 2 C.F.R. 200.208, 200.339). Terminations and other performance matters may impact future award decisions (2 C.F.R. 200.206)

Reporting

Recording requirements under this grant program are completed primarily through online reporting systems and are as follows:

• All grantees must submit to VA an annual report not later than 60 days after the last day of the Federal fiscal year for which a grant is provided.

• All grantees must submit to VA a quarterly report 30 days after the close of each Federal fiscal quarter of the grant period.

• Any changes in a grantee's program activities which result in deviations from the grant agreement must be reported to VA.

• Additional reporting requirements may be requested by VA to allow VA to fully assess program effectiveness.

• If a grantee does not submit the annual report required under this section for any fiscal year, the grantee shall not be eligible to receive a grant under this part for the subsequent fiscal year.

These requirements are further described in 38 C.F.R. 77.16.

If the Federal share of any Federal award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, grantees should be ensure they are aware of the post-award reporting requirements reflected in 2 C.F.R. Part 200.211.

Monitoring

VA has the right to visit all grantee locations where a grantee is using adaptive sports grant funds in order to review grantee accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such technical assistance as may be required, per 38 C.F.R.

77.18. 2 C.F. R. 200.329 states the recipient and subrecipient are responsible for the oversight of the Federal award and must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations.

X. Other Information

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. VA will not fund activities that promote or facilitate violations of immigration laws or are sources of waste, fraud, or abuse.