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 (HHS), is administering the FY 2026 Health Center Program Service Area Competition (SAC), opportunity number HRSA-26-004. Administered by HRSA's Bureau of Primary Health Care, this opportunity provides funding to ensure access to comprehensive, high-quality primary health care for underserved populations and communities throughout the United States and its territories. The SAC opportunity enables organizations to apply for funds to support health center services in specific service areas identified in the Service Area Announcement Table (SAAT). The goal is to continue or initiate services in areas where current awards are expiring or where new coverage is needed due to service disruptions. Eligible organizations may apply as Competing Continuation, Competing Supplement, or New applicants. Competing Continuation applicants are current HRSA Health Center Program (H80) award recipients applying to continue services in their existing service area. Competing Supplement applicants are current recipients applying to expand into a new service area by adding permanent, full-time service sites. New applicants are not currently funded through the Health Center Program but propose to serve an eligible service area listed in the SAAT. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit or public agencies, including tribal and urban Indian organizations, located within the United States and its territories. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Award recipients will receive funding to provide a full scope of primary health care services, including general medical, dental, mental health, substance use disorder, vision, and enabling services. Services must be provided regardless of a patient’s ability to pay and on a sliding fee scale based on income. The SAC program supports the delivery of services aligned with the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model and focuses on chronic disease management, preventive services, and health equity. Funding is available for either one or four 12-month budget periods beginning April 1, 2026. A total of approximately $385,000,000 is expected to be awarded across 81 grants. Award ceilings and floors are not specified in the NOFO and vary by service area based on the SAAT. The application process includes two phases. Phase 1 applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by September 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Phase 2 supplemental materials are due through HRSA's Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) by October 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Applicants must complete forms including the SF-424, project narrative, budget narrative, and a wide range of attachments such as bylaws, organizational charts, and operational plans. New and Competing Supplement applicants must propose at least one new full-time, permanent, fixed service delivery site. If the proposed site targets a specific population (e.g., school-based), applicants must explain how all required services will be accessible to the entire underserved community. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness. The merit review process will evaluate applications based on seven criteria: Need, Response, Collaboration, Capacity, Impact/Evaluative Measures, Governance, and Support Requested. Each criterion is weighted, and priority points may be awarded for organizations with a strong patient trend and PCMH recognition. Final funding decisions consider merit scores, availability of funds, geographic distribution, and past performance. If awarded, recipients must comply with Health Center Program regulations, reporting requirements, and undergo monitoring. Key contacts for the program include Ashley Vigil and Julia Tillman, Public Health Analysts at HRSA, who can be reached via the BPHC Contact Form or by phone at 301-594-4300. For budget or financial questions, Joi Grymes-Johnson, Grants Management Specialist, may be contacted at jgrymes@hrsa.gov or 301-443-2632. Notices of Award are expected by March 1, 2026, with a performance period starting April 1, 2026. Awards may be delayed or adjusted based on HRSA compliance findings and fund availability.

Review compliance manual, use GeoCare Navigator, join pre-recorded TA webinar.