Service Area Competition | HRSA 25 015

Service Area Competition (SAC) NOFO (HRSA-25-015) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the Service Area Competition (SAC) funding opportunity?

The Service Area Competition (SAC) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Health Center Program (CFDA 93.224). It is designed to support ongoing delivery of primary care and related services in specific service areas tied to the Health Center Program.

2) What is the main goal of this SAC funding?

The core goal is to protect continuity of care by ensuring communities and patient populations already served through the Health Center Program do not experience gaps in access to primary care and related services. In practical terms, HRSA is seeking to maintain stable access to health center care in medically underserved communities and other priority populations that currently rely on these services.

3) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is HRSA-25-015.

4) What federal program is this competition associated with?

This opportunity is under the HRSA Health Center Program (CFDA 93.224).

5) What type of funding mechanism is used?

The notice describes this as a discretionary grant opportunity, and the funding instrument is a grant.

6) What is the activity area for this funding opportunity?

The program is categorized under the health funding activity area.

7) Approximately how many awards does HRSA expect to make?

HRSA anticipates making approximately 71 awards under this announcement.

8) What is the application deadline?

The published application deadline (original closing date) is September 24, 2024.

9) Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The notice lists an award ceiling of 0. This typically indicates the maximum award amount is not stated in the summary field. Applicants should rely on the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for detailed funding amounts, budget limits, and how HRSA determines final award levels for each service area.

10) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly defined to include both public and private nonprofit entities in the United States and its territories. The NOFO includes a range of organization types that commonly operate community-based health centers.

11) Are government entities eligible to apply?

Yes. Eligible applicant types include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; and independent school districts.

12) Are nonprofit organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. Eligibility includes nonprofits that hold 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) and certain other entities as specified in the NOFO.

13) Are tribal entities eligible to apply?

Yes. Eligible applicants include Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and other tribal organizations. The description also explicitly notes that tribal and urban Indian organizations are eligible to apply.

14) Where must eligible applicants be located?

Eligible entities are described as being in the United States and its territories.

15) What kinds of communities does SAC aim to support?

The competition is designed to help maintain stable access to health center care for medically underserved communities and other priority populations that are currently relying on Health Center Program-supported services.

16) Is this opportunity meant to create new service areas?

Based on the description provided, this competition is tied to defined service areas already associated with the Health Center Program and is focused on continuing service delivery to avoid interruptions in care.

17) What is meant by "service areas" in this NOFO?

The NOFO is described as being connected to specific service areas already associated with the Health Center Program. The intent is to support qualified organizations in continuing comprehensive, community-centered care in those areas without interruption.

18) What kinds of services are expected to be maintained through this funding?

The emphasis is on preventing gaps in access to primary care and related services for patient populations already served through the Health Center Program.

19) What should applicants review to understand operational and compliance expectations?

The NOFO emphasizes that applicants should consult the Program Requirements and Expectations section for the operational and compliance standards that apply to Health Center Program awardees.

20) What topics are generally covered under Health Center Program requirements and expectations?

As described, these expectations generally cover providing accessible primary care services, serving the designated community, and meeting federal program oversight and performance requirements.

21) Why does the NOFO emphasize continuity of care?

The stated rationale is to ensure that communities and patients already served do not experience gaps in access to care, which supports stable, ongoing health center services in underserved areas and for priority populations.

22) Where should applicants look for final details on funding amounts and award calculations?

Applicants should rely on the full NOFO for detailed funding amounts, budget limits, and information on how HRSA determines final award levels for each service area.