State Primary Care Offices

The State Primary Care Offices (PCOs) Program, administered by the Bureau of Health Workforce within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is a federal funding opportunity designed to enhance access to primary health care across the United States and its territories. Authorized under Sections 330(l), 330(m), and 333(d) of the Public Health Service Act, the program plays a crucial role in supporting state and territorial efforts to assess health care needs, coordinate shortage designations, and address provider recruitment and retention in underserved areas. The primary purpose of the PCO program is to enable state and territorial agencies to conduct Statewide Primary Care Needs Assessments, coordinate with HRSA on Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Areas/Populations (MUA/P) designations, and provide technical assistance to improve health workforce development. The program aims to improve access to primary care, dental, and mental health services for individuals who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. PCOs also collaborate with other public health entities and health systems to ensure systematic data collection and strategic planning. Funding for the program is estimated at $11 million annually over a five-year performance period, from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2029. Award amounts vary by state and territory, calculated based on a base funding amount of $150,000 and an additional workload funding amount determined by the number of providers listed in the National Provider Identifier Registry. The award structure ensures equity in distribution based on provider population. Awards will be issued as cooperative agreements, allowing HRSA substantial involvement in program oversight and implementation. Applicants must be statewide public or nonprofit entities, including state agencies, public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education, or territories. Only one application per entity is permitted. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Recipients must demonstrate organizational capacity to manage data, coordinate with federal workforce programs, and engage in collaborative planning with health organizations, health departments, and federally designated programs like the NHSC and Nurse Corps. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov using the SF-424 R&R workspace, with a due date of December 14, 2023. The application must include a project abstract, narrative, detailed budget and justification, staffing plan, work plan, and various attachments, not exceeding 60 pages. Evaluation criteria emphasize purpose and need, methodology, work plan, impact evaluation, organizational capacity, and sustainability. A technical assistance webinar is offered, and post-award reporting includes quarterly and annual performance reviews and a final program report within 90 days of the end of the performance period. Key contacts for this opportunity include Carolyn J. Cobb for grants management and Alpha Bah for program-related inquiries. This grant does not permit the use of funds for real property acquisition or non-essential equipment and adheres to all federal compliance and reporting requirements.

Ensure measurable goals and accurate data reporting; prioritize collaboration and sustainability plans; follow federal reporting rules strictly.