Service Area Competition HRSA-26-006

The Health Center Program Service Area Competition (SAC) funding opportunity (HRSA-26-006) is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the Bureau of Primary Health Care. This federally funded initiative supports the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality primary health care to underserved communities across the United States and its territories. SAC awards are critical to maintaining or expanding health center services in designated service areas. These areas are determined and listed in the Service Area Announcement Table (SAAT), with unique service area identification numbers (SAC IDs) and defined patient targets. This opportunity aims to sustain or replace service provision in areas where the performance period of the current grantee ends or where services are interrupted due to award discontinuation. The SAC funding mechanism is grounded in Section 330 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (42 U.S.C. 254b), covering community health centers, healthcare for the homeless, migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, and residents of public housing. For FY 2026, HRSA anticipates awarding approximately $181 million through up to 48 awards. Awards will range based on the patient load and service expectations in the specified area and may span either one year or four years. For multi-year grants, the funding amount for years two through four must not exceed the year-one request. Service delivery must occur at permanent, full-time sites (open 40+ hours per week), and applicants must propose to meet at least 75% of the SAAT-listed patient target to maintain eligibility. Adjustments to funding requests are required if a lower percentage of the patient target is proposed. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities, public agencies, tribal and urban Indian organizations, and health center look-alikes not currently funded under the Health Center Program. Entities must demonstrate readiness to deliver all required health services either directly or through formal arrangements, provide care without regard to ability to pay, and comply with governing board requirements, especially if structured as public entities with co-applicant boards. Applicants must also submit specific documents such as service maps, budget forms, staffing plans, bylaws, and organizational charts. Those proposing to serve special populations must maintain services for each type of funded population (e.g., homeless, migrant workers, residents of public housing), and ensure coverage in the ZIP codes and service types listed in the SAAT. The application process for HRSA-26-006 involves a two-phase submission: Phase 1 must be submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM ET on November 10, 2025, and Phase 2 through HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) by 5:00 PM ET on December 10, 2025. The anticipated project start date is June 1, 2026. Applicants must ensure SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations are active prior to submission and maintain user accounts in the EHB system. Submissions must adhere to a 120-page limit, include both required and program-specific forms, and follow detailed narrative prompts addressing service delivery, need, response, collaboration, and capacity. Applications are reviewed based on a 100-point merit review, addressing seven criteria: Need (10 points), Response (25), Collaboration (10), Capacity (20), Impact/Evaluation (15), Governance (10), and Support Requested (10). Funding priority points are available for applicants with positive or neutral patient trends or PCMH recognition. Awards are contingent on satisfactory past performance, compliance status, and federal appropriations. HRSA may also conduct site visits, request additional compliance documentation, and apply conditions or shorter award periods for non-compliant or new applicants. For technical assistance, applicants are encouraged to visit the SAC TA webpage, review the Compliance Manual, and attend pre-recorded webinars. Inquiries should be submitted via the BPHC Contact Form. Key contacts include Ashley Vigil and Julia Tillman (program-related) and Joi Grymes-Johnson (budget-related), whose details are provided in the NOFO. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in health infrastructure for underserved communities and supports the national effort to reduce health disparities through accessible, affordable, and comprehensive care.

Ensure SAM.gov and Grants.gov accounts are active. Use TA resources and checklist to stay within page limits and format guidelines.