Service Area Competition HRSA-26-004

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Health Center Program Service Area Competition (SAC), under opportunity number HRSA-26-004. Administered by the Bureau of Primary Health Care, this federal program is designed to enhance access to comprehensive primary healthcare services in underserved communities throughout the United States and its territories. The Health Center Program is authorized under Section 330 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act and plays a central role in improving health outcomes by funding health centers that operate as patient-centered medical homes, particularly for vulnerable and low-income populations. The purpose of the SAC funding opportunity is to support existing and new health centers that deliver high-quality, culturally competent, and accessible primary care. Grants will be awarded to applicants proposing to serve service areas listed in the Service Area Announcement Table (SAAT), which identifies geographic zones with specific patient targets and service type requirements. Applicants may apply as New, Competing Continuation, or Competing Supplement applicants, depending on their funding history and proposed scope of services. The NOFO includes service areas currently served by awardees whose periods of performance are set to end in FY 2026. Applications must demonstrate the ability to serve at least 75% of the target patient population, including any required sub-populations such as migratory and seasonal agricultural workers, individuals experiencing homelessness, and residents of public housing. This funding opportunity is structured in two phases. Phase 1 applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by September 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Phase 2 supplemental information is due in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) by October 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by March 1, 2026, with a project start date of April 1, 2026. Awards may span either a single 12-month period or a four-year period of performance. HRSA expects to award approximately $385,000,000 through up to 81 grants, with award sizes and durations varying by service area as defined in the SAAT. Applicants must consult the SAAT to determine the funding amount and service expectations specific to each area. Proposed budgets must align with the number of patients served, and HRSA provides a funding reduction scale if patient projections fall below SAAT targets. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, and public housing authorities. All applicants must be domestic entities and propose to operate at least one full-time, fixed-site service delivery location. They must also provide a complete package of primary care services, as outlined in Form 5A, without restriction based on ability to pay. New and competing supplement applicants must also submit an Operational Plan (Attachment 12) and confirm that all proposed sites will be operational within 120 days of award. Applications must include specific forms and attachments, such as project abstracts, service area maps, organizational charts, and sliding fee discount schedules. HRSA uses a merit review process with scoring criteria covering need, response, collaboration, capacity, impact, governance, and budget justification. Additional priority points may be awarded for applicants with a positive three-year patient trend and those with Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition. Compliance with Health Center Program requirements is essential, and applicants not demonstrating compliance may be limited to a one-year award period or deemed ineligible for funding. Contact support is provided through the BPHC Contact Form for program-related questions and Joi Grymes-Johnson for financial and budget matters. HRSA strongly encourages early registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, as the registration process can take several weeks. The HRSA-26-004 SAC grant opportunity offers a significant funding pathway for organizations committed to improving health equity and access to care. Prospective applicants should thoroughly review the NOFO, SAAT, and application guidance materials to ensure full compliance and competitiveness.

Submit early. Align service ZIPs and service types to the SAAT. Address all forms and compliance clearly.