Service Area Competition HRSA-26-002

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is offering a funding opportunity through its Bureau of Primary Health Care for the FY 2026 Health Center Program Service Area Competition (SAC). This grant is structured to support the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality primary health care services to underserved populations and communities throughout the United States and its territories. The funding opportunity, designated HRSA-26-002, is intended to ensure continuity of services in areas currently served by expiring Health Center Program awards, and to expand access where necessary through new or supplemental applications. This competition specifically seeks applicants to serve defined service areas listed in the Service Area Announcement Table (SAAT). Applicants can apply under three categories: Competing Continuation (for current awardees), Competing Supplement (for current awardees expanding to a new area), or New Applicants (entities not currently funded under the Health Center Program). All applicants must propose to meet at least 75% of the patient target defined for the announced service area and are required to provide the full scope of required primary health care services. Service sites must be full-time and permanent, unless serving seasonal agricultural workers. Funding will be available for one-year or four-year periods of performance. The total anticipated funding for this cycle is $232 million, with approximately 93 awards expected. Individual award amounts vary by service area and are tied to patient target numbers. New applicants must be nonprofit or public entities and must provide direct primary care services or fund them through contracts or agreements. HRSA will also consider factors such as patient population targets, geographic service area, and provision of services to special populations such as migratory agricultural workers, homeless individuals, and residents of public housing. Applications must be submitted in two phases. Phase 1 must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 22, 2025. Phase 2 requires submission through HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) by 5:00 p.m. ET on October 22, 2025. Applicants must be registered with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and EHBs, and complete all necessary forms and attachments, including detailed budgets, operational plans, and compliance documentation. Evaluation criteria include need, response, collaboration, capacity, impact, governance, and budget justification. Reviewers will assess both the merit of the application and the organization’s history of compliance with HRSA requirements. Organizations with unresolved compliance issues may receive only a one-year award or be deemed ineligible. Questions may be directed to Ashley Vigil or Julia Tillman via the BPHC Contact Form or by calling 301-594-4300. Budget-related questions should go to Joi Grymes-Johnson at jgrymes@hrsa.gov or 301-443-2632. Award notifications are expected by February 1, 2026, and funded projects will begin March 1, 2026.

Review the Compliance Manual, use GeoCare Navigator, attend webinars, and submit both phases on time.