Grants for Transportation in Highly Rural Areas

HRTG New

VA-HRTG-NEW-2026
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Grants for Transportation of Veterans
in Highly Rural Areas – New
Applicants
Notice of Funding
Opportunity (NOFO)
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Publication date: April 1, 2026

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................. 2
I. Basic Information ............................................................................................... 3
II. Before You Begin (these steps may take several weeks) .................................. 5
III. Eligibility ............................................................................................................. 6
IV. Program Description .......................................................................................... 7
V. Application Contents and Format ....................................................................... 9
VI. Submission Requirements and Deadlines: ...................................................... 13
VII. Application Review Information ........................................................................ 16
VIII. Award Notices .................................................................................................. 20
IX. Post-Award Requirements and Administration ................................................. 21
X. Other Information ............................................................................................. 25
XI. Appendices ...................................................................................................... 27
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I. Basic Information
Federal Agency Name Announcement Type
Department of Veterans Affairs Initial
Funding Opportunity Title Funding Opportunity Number
Grants for Transportation of Veterans in VA-HRTG-NEW-2026
Highly Rural Areas
Assistance Listing Number
64.035, Veterans Transportation Program
Funding Details
Approximately $7 million is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year (FY) 2026. The
following requirements apply to grants awarded under this Notice:
• Applications for renewal grants will not be considered under this NOFO and must
be submitted under Funding Opportunity Number VA-HRTG-2026.
• One grant may be awarded to each grantee for FY 2026 for each highly rural
area in which the grantee provides transportation services.
• Transportation services may not be simultaneously provided by more than one
grantee in any single highly rural area.
• No single grant will exceed $50,000.00 USD per highly rural area.
• A Veteran who is provided with transportation services through a grantee’s use of
these grant monies will not be charged for such services.
• Grants awarded under this Notice will be for a one (1) year period.
• There is no guarantee of award from prior grantees in cases where the applicant
no longer meets eligibility requirements.
• All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any
modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.
Key Dates
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Applications for grants must be received in www.grants.gov by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
on May 5, 2026.
In the interest of fairness to all applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and time. VA
will treat any application received after the deadline as ineligible. Applicants should
submit materials early to avoid risk of ineligibility, unanticipated delays, computer
service outages, or other submission-related problems.
On time submission requires an Entity Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS), a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from the System for Award
Management (SAM), and an active SAM registration. For details, see also the Before
You Begin section.
Executive Summary
VA’s Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) Program Office anticipates awarding
grants to Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and Veterans State Agencies to
provide transportation to Veterans residing in an area of less than seven persons per
square mile to their VA authorized healthcare. These grants support the President’s
commitment to increase the excellence of and options for care, benefits, and services
for veterans, as well as improve the delivery and quality of the Department's healthcare
services in a more efficient and effective manner to support veterans, as demonstrated
in Executive Order 14296 – Keeping Promises to Veterans and Establishing a National
Center for Warrior Independence.
For full information, applicants may review the Program Description section and
Eligibility section.
Agency Contact Information:
Questions may be sent to the National Program Coordinator for Highly Rural
Transportation Grants at HRTG@va.gov.
Information on the HRTG and resources can be found at
https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vtp/highly_rural_transportation_grants.asp.
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II. Before You Begin (these steps may take several weeks)
Entity Identifiers
If you believe your organization is a good candidate for this funding opportunity, get
your EIN, UEI, and active SAM.gov registration now.
If your organization already is registered in SAM.gov, make sure the registration is
active and up to date.
EIN
Your organization must have an EIN from the IRS.
SAM.gov
Your organization must have a UEI from SAM.gov.
Your organization must have an active registration with SAM.gov.
Grants.gov
Your organization must be registered in Grants.gov prior to submission.
Customer Engagement Portal
A web version of the VA - FSC Vendor File Request Form (VA10091) must be
submitted through the VA Customer Engagement Portal at
https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ by the application deadline stated in this NOFO.
Ensure that the information provided on this form aligns with the information
listed in SAM.gov. This form is required for all applicants. Proof of registration
should be included in application packet.
Prepare these requirements immediately. They may take weeks to complete.
Do not wait until you are ready to submit your application to start these requirements.
Incomplete requirements may prevent you from submitting on time.
Applications submitted without an active UEI may be rejected at threshold, meaning the
application would be considered ineligible.
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For information about SAM, see also the Key Dates, Submission Requirements and
Deadlines sections.
Registering in the Online Application System
Applications will be submitted through Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a “one-stop storefront”
that provides a unified process for all customers of federal awards to find funding
opportunities and apply for funding. Complete instructions on how to register and submit
a grant application can be found at www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants.
Applications must be consistent with this solicitation and follow the directions in
Grants.gov. The applicant should receive an e-mail validation message from Grants.gov
within 24-48 hours after submitting the electronic application. The validation message
will state whether the grant application has been received and validated or rejected with
an explanation.
Important: Applicants are urged to submit their applications at least 72 hours prior to
the due date of the application to allow time to receive the validation message and to
correct any problems that may have caused a rejection notification.
Reminders: Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the date stated in the
Key Dates section. Keep this NOFO with you when completing the application. It
includes supplementary guidance for completing the application.
III. Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
The only entities eligible to apply for and receive grants are VSOs recognized by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs under Section 5902 of Title 38, United States Code and
State Veterans Service Agencies. Interested eligible entities must submit a complete
grant application package to be considered.
Key Definitions: 38 CFR 17.701 contains definitions of terms used in the Grants for
Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas program. Definitions of key terms are
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also provided in Appendix A; however, 38 CFR 17.701 should be consulted for a
complete list of definitions.
Additional Restrictions on Eligibility and Automatic Ineligibility
Additional grant application requirements are specified in the application materials on
grants.gov. Submission of an incorrect or incomplete application package will result in
the application being rejected during the threshold review, the initial review conducted
by VA, to ensure the application package contains all required forms and certifications.
Complete packages will then be subject to the evaluation/scoring and selection process
described in § 17.705(a) and (b), respectively. Applicants will be notified of any
additional information needed to confirm or clarify information provided in the grant
application and the deadline by which to submit such information.
Application Limits
Only one application per applicant will be accepted. If multiple submissions are
received, the last (date and time stamp) submission will be reviewed.
Cost Sharing
This solicitation does not require grantees to provide matching funds as a condition of
receiving such grants.
IV. Program Description
Purpose
Access to VA care for Veterans in highly rural areas continues to be an issue across the
United States. VA has established this program to help address barriers to access to
care. This program funds innovative approaches to transporting Veterans in highly rural
areas who typically have longer commute times to VA-authorized health care
appointments.
Funding Priorities
None.
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Goals and Objective
This program furthers the Department’s mission by offering grants to assist Veterans in
highly rural areas through innovative transportation services to travel to VA Medical
Centers (VAMCs) and to assist in providing transportation services in connection with
the provision of VA medical care to these Veterans. VA’s Veterans Transportation
Program (VTP) offers Veterans many travel solutions to and from their VA-authorized
health care appointments. To achieve this goal, this program offers services at no cost
to eligible Veterans residing in highly rural areas.
Performance Metrics and Targets
HRTG measures grant performance through evaluation of required monthly, quarterly,
annual, and final (at the end of the fiscal year) reports.
• Veteran data and trip details including name, address, date of birth, last 4 social
security number (SSN) and/or Veteran identification number, & Veteran
demographics;
• Record of time expended assisting with the provision of transportation
services;
• Record of grant funds expended assisting with the provision of
transportation services;
• Trips completed;
• Total distance covered;
• Veterans served;
• Locations which received transportation services; and
• Results of veteran satisfaction survey, as applicable.
Target measures will be based on timely reporting of the above performance metrics:
Reporting must be received within 30 days after the quarter ends and 120 days after
the end of the grant cycle.
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Grantees will also be evaluated for participation and attendance of quarterly
conference calls with VTP Office. Participants must attend at least three of the four
scheduled quarterly meetings (75%).
Guidance for the Use of Funds
All costs must be in compliance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E Cost Principles, all
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Regulations and Circulars, and the terms of
the grant agreement entered into pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 17.715.
Eligible Participants
The only entities eligible to apply for and receive grants are VSOs recognized by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State Veterans Agencies. Current Highly Rural
Transportation participating grantees are ineligible to apply for a grant under this notice.
Interested eligible entities must submit a complete grant application package to be
considered for a grant. Awarded grantees may only transport Veterans who reside in an
eligible highly rural area which is less than seven persons per square mile to VA-
authorized heath care appointments.
Program Authority
Section 307(a)(1) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of
2010, Pub. L. No. 111-163, required VA to “establish a grant program to provide
innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas.” VA implemented
through regulations promulgated 38 C.F.R. §§17.700-730, Grants for Transportation of
Veterans in Highly Rural Areas. Funds made available under this Notice are subject to
the requirements of the regulations and other applicable laws and regulations.
V. Application Contents and Format
The application can be found at Grants.gov utilizing the “search by Assistance Listing
number” function and entering in that search field the number 64.035. Questions should
be referred to the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) Office by e-mail at
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HRTG@va.gov. For further information on Grants for Transportation of Veterans in
Highly Rural Areas Program requirements, see the Final Rule published in the Federal
Register (78 FR 19586) on April 2, 2013, which is codified in 38 C.F.R. §§ 17.700-
17.730.
Pre-Application Materials
Not Applicable.
Application Components
The application includes the following required components:
• Program Narrative
• Timelines
• Budget Narrative
• Budget detail worksheet
• Information to complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF424): The
SF424 is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of
pre-applications, applications, and related information. Grants.gov takes
information from the applicant’s profile to populate the fields on this form.
• Program Narrative: Provide a detailed narrative of your program scope and
specifically discuss the innovative modes and methods of transportation services
to be provided. If the provision of transportation services will necessitate
procurement or use of specific equipment, such equipment must be specifically
listed.
Note on project evaluations: Applicants that propose to use funds awarded through this
solicitation to conduct project evaluations should be aware certain project evaluations
(such as systematic investigations designed to develop or contribute to knowledge) may
constitute research. However, project evaluations intended only to generate internal
improvements to a program or service or are conducted only to meet VA’s performance
measure data reporting requirements, likely do not constitute research. Research, for
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the purposes of VA-funded programs, is defined as, “a systematic investigation,
including research, development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or
contribute to generalizable knowledge.” 38 C.F.R. § 16.102(l). In addition, research
involving human subjects is subject to certain added protections, as set forth in 38
C.F.R. Part 16. Applicants should provide sufficient information for VA to determine
whether certain project activities they propose would either intentionally or
unintentionally collect and/or use information in such a way that it meets VA’s regulatory
definition of research and thereby invoke the requirements and procedures set forth in
38 C.F.R. Part 16.
Indirect Cost Rates
Applicants may include indirect costs as part of their proposed budget. Applicants that
have a previously negotiated indirect cost rate with a cognizant agency may utilize this
rate when preparing and submitting a proposed budget. Those applicants that do not
have a previously negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to apply for a de minimis rate
of fifteen percent indirect costs. Applicants that do not have a previously negotiated rate
but wish to establish a negotiated indirect cost rate should submit alongside their
proposal an Indirect Cost Rate Proposal justifying and evidencing the applicant’s
proposed indirect cost rate.
Formatting Requirements
Budget Detail Worksheet: A sample SF424A Budget Detail Worksheet can be found at
Grants.gov. Please submit a budget and label it as “SF424A Budget Detail Worksheet.”
The budget categories listed in the sample budget worksheet must be included if the
budget is submitted in a different format.
Budget Narrative: The Budget Narrative should thoroughly and clearly describe every
category of expense listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative should be
mathematically sound and correspond with the information and figures provided in the
Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative should explain how all costs are estimated and
calculated and how they are relevant to the completion of the proposed project. The
narrative may include tables for clarification purposes but need not be in a spreadsheet
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format. As with the Budget Detail Worksheet, the Budget Narrative must be broken
down.
Budget Brief (example):
1. Our organization requests ______ for the acquisition of _____ ADA-compliant
van(s).
2. The total cost of the ADA-compliant van(s) is ________. This is the amount
requested from VA.
3. Our organization will utilize _________ for innovative approaches for
transporting Veterans. This is the amount requested from VA for a maximum of
$50,000.00.
Number of Copies Required: No paper submission will be accepted.
Signature Requirements: Signature of authorized representative will be required on
electronic submissions certifying all statements are true, complete, and accurate to the
best of their knowledge. Any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may be
subject to criminal, civil or administrative penalties (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001).
Third-Party Requirements: If an application identifies a subrecipient that is either (1) a
tribe or tribal organization or (2) a third party proposing to provide direct services or
assistance to residents on tribal lands, then a current authorizing resolution of the
governing body of the tribal entity or other enactment of the tribal council or comparable
governing body authorizing the inclusion of the tribe or tribal organization and its
membership must be included with the application. In those instances when an
organization or consortium of tribes proposes to apply for a grant on behalf of a tribe or
multiple specific tribes, then the application must include a resolution from all tribes that
will be included as a part of the services/assistance provided under the grant. A
consortium of tribes for which existing consortium bylaws allow action without support
from all tribes in the consortium (i.e., without authorizing resolution or other enactment
of each tribal governing body) may submit a copy of its consortium bylaws with the
application to satisfy this requirement.
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Additionally, if a grantee’s submission identified a subrecipient/third party, such
subrecipient/third party must operate the program in accordance with the provisions of
the award.
VI. Submission Requirements and Deadlines:
Address to Request Application Package
Applications are submitted on Grants.gov and must be submitted as a complete
package by the application deadline. Applications may not be sent by facsimile.
Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for
consideration and may result in the application being rejected. All applicable forms cited
in the application description must be included.
UEI and SAM
Registration at SAM.gov and Grants.gov are required prior to submission. Applicants
must have an EIN from the IRS, a UEI from SAM, and an active registration in SAM to
be eligible. Entities must maintain active status in SAM throughout the application
period. VA may not award a grant to an applicant if the applicant has not complied with
the EIN, UEI, and SAM requirements.
For more information, see 2 C.F.R. parts 200 and 25 as well as SAM.gov. Certain
requirements also apply to subrecipients and contractors.
If an applicant is not compliant with the EIN, UEI, or SAM requirements at the time VA is
ready to make an award, VA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive
a Federal award and may use that determination as a basis for making an award to
another applicant or for making a different funding decision.
If awarded a grant, applicants must maintain compliance with EIN, UEI, and SAM
requirements for the duration of the grant as a continuing condition of eligibility.
Information also is available in the Before You Begin section.
Submission Instructions
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Applications will be submitted through Grants.gov. Complete instructions on how to
register and submit a grant application can be found at www.grants.gov/quick-start-
guide/applicants.
VA strongly encourages registering with Grants.gov several weeks before the deadline
for application submission. Please visit the Grants.gov website and perform a search
using the identifying information below to locate the funding opportunity. The Assistance
Listing Number for this solicitation is 64.035, titled “Veterans Transportation Program”
and the funding opportunity number is VA-HRTG-NEW-2026.
Applications must be consistent with this solicitation by following the directions in
Grants.gov. The applicant should receive an e-mail validation message from Grants.gov
within 24-48 hours after submitting the electronic application. The validation message
will state whether the grant application has been received and validated or rejected with
an explanation. Important: Applicants are urged to submit their applications at least 72
hours prior to the due date of the application to allow time to receive the validation
message and to correct any problems that may have caused a rejection notification.
Applicants should anticipate failure to submit an application that contains all specified
elements will result in the rejection of their application at the threshold review stage.
Moreover, applicants should anticipate if applications are not adequately responsive to
the scope of the solicitation, such as failure to include a program narrative, budget detail
worksheet including a budget narrative, tribal resolution (if applicable), eligibly entity
designation, or a list of the highly rural county or counties to be served, they will be
rejected and receive no further consideration.
Submission Dates and Times
Grant applications under the Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural
Areas Program must be submitted to Grants.gov by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on
May 5, 2026. In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm
as to date and hour and with the single exception described below regarding
unforeseen technical problems beyond the control of the applicant with the Grants.gov
website, VA will treat any application submitted after the deadline that does not meet
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the unforeseen technical problems exception as ineligible for consideration. Applicants
should take this into account and submit their materials early to avoid any risk of loss of
eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays, computer service outages or other
delivery-related problems.
To ensure a fair competition for limited discretionary funds, the following conditions are
not valid reasons to permit late submissions: (1) failure to begin the registration process
in sufficient time; (2) failure to follow Grants.gov instructions on how to register and
apply as posted on its website; (3) failure to follow all of the instructions in the VA
solicitation; and (4) technical issues experienced with the applicant’s computer or
information technology (IT) environment. Notifications regarding known technical
problems with Grants.gov, if any, are posted on the Grants.gov website.
Point of Contact for Technical Difficulties with Submission: If the applicant experiences
technical difficulties at any point during this process, please call Grants.gov Customer
Support Hotline at 800-518-4726, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Federal
holidays.
If applicant experiences unforeseen Grants.gov technical issues beyond the applicant’s
control that prevents submission of its application by the deadline, the applicant must
contact the VTP Office staff no later than 24 hours after the deadline and request
approval to submit its application. At that time, VTP Office staff will instruct the applicant
to submit specific information detailing the technical difficulties. The applicant must e-
mail: a description of the technical difficulties; a timeline of submission efforts; the
complete grant application; the applicant’s Unique Entity Identifier number; and
Grants.gov Help Desk tracking number(s) received. After the VTP Office reviews all the
information submitted and contacts the Grants.gov Help Desk to validate the technical
issues reported, VA will contact the applicant to either approve or deny the request to
submit a late application. The application will be rejected as untimely if the technical
issues reported cannot be validated.
Intergovernmental Review
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Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs was
issued to foster intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on
state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial
assistance and direct Federal development. Some states require that applicants contact
their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process for
fulfilling E.O. 12372. Generally, HRTG is not subject to EO 12372. To learn about a
specific state’s process, see the single point of contact list.
Funded grantees are also required to comply with all applicable EOs.
VII. Application Review Information
Threshold Review
VA is committed to ensuring a fair and open process for awarding these grants. The
VTP Office will review the grant application to make sure the information presented is
reasonable, understandable, measurable, and achievable, as well as consistent with
solicitation. Peer reviewers will conduct a threshold review of all applications submitted
under this solicitation to ensure they meet all the critical elements, and all other
minimum requirements as identified herein. The VTP Office may use either internal peer
reviewers, external peer reviewers, or a combination to review the applications under
this solicitation. An external peer reviewer is an expert in the field of the subject matter
of a given solicitation who is NOT a current VA employee. An internal reviewer is a
current VA employee who is well-versed or has expertise in the subject matter of this
solicitation. Eligible applications will then be evaluated, scored, and rated by a peer
review panel. Peer reviewers’ ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory
only.
Review Criteria
VTP conducts a financial review of applications for potential discretionary awards to
evaluate the fiscal integrity and financial capability of applicants; examines proposed
costs to determine if the Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative accurately
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explain project costs; and determines whether costs are reasonable, necessary, and
allowable under applicable federal cost principles and agency regulations.
Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary,
the Veterans Health Administration, through the VTP Office, will forward the reviewers’
recommendations for award to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or designee, who will
then review and approve each award decision. Such determinations by the Secretary or
designee will be final. VA may also consider factors including but not limited to
underserved populations; geographic diversity; strategic priorities; and available funding
when making awards. Full review criteria are outlined below and available at 38 CFR
17.705(a).
Scoring Criteria:
Selection of Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas is very
competitive. Listed below are the scoring and selection criteria:
A. VA will award up to 40 points (an applicant must score a minimum of 20 points)
based on the program’s plan for successful implementation, as demonstrated by
the following:
a. Program scope is defined, and applicant has specifically indicated the
mode(s) or method(s) of transportation services to be provided.
b. Program budget is defined, and applicants have indicated that grant funds
will be sufficient to completely implement the program.
c. Program staffing plan is defined, and applicant has indicated that there will
be adequate staffing for delivery of transportation services according to
program scope.
d. Program timeframe for implementation is defined, and applicant has
indicated that the delivery of transportation services will be timely.
B. VA will award up to 30 points (an applicant must score a minimum of 15 points)
based on the program’s evaluation plan, as demonstrated by the following:
a. Measurable goals for determining the success of delivery of transportation
services.
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b. Ongoing assessment of B(a), with a means of adjusting the program if
required.
C. VA will award up to 20 points (an applicant must score a minimum of 10 points)
based on the applicant’s community relationships in the areas to be serviced, as
demonstrated by the following:
a. Applicant has existing relationships with state or local agencies or private
entities, or will develop such relationships, and has shown these
relationships will enhance the program’s effectiveness.
b. Applicant has established past working relationships with state or local
agencies or private entities which have provided services like those
offered by the program.
D. VA will award up to 10 points (an applicant must score a minimum of 5 points)
based on the innovative aspects of the program, as demonstrated by the
following:
a. How the program will identify and serve Veterans who otherwise would be
unable to obtain care.
b. How the program will utilize or integrate existing public resources (VA,
state, or other).
Points
Criterion
(maximum)
1. Program Plan for Successful Implementation 40
2. Program Evaluation Plan 30
3. Community Relationships in Service Area 20
4. Innovative Aspects of the Program 10
TOTAL 100
Applicants must receive a minimum of 50 total points and points per category to be
considered.
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Review and Selection Process
VA will use the following process to award initial grants:
1. VA will rank those applications who receive at least the minimum number of total
points (50) and points per category set forth in this Notice. The applications will
be ranked in order from highest to lowest scores.
2. VA will use the applicant’s ranking as the basis for selection for funding. VA will
fund the highest ranked grantees for which funding is available.
Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary,
the Veterans Health Administration, through the VTP Office, will forward the reviewers’
recommendations for award to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or designee, who will
then review and approve each award decision. Such determinations by the Secretary or
designee will be final.
NOTE: There is a separate NOFO for renewal applications.
Risk Review
Prior to making an award, and at any time post-award, VA will conduct a business risk
assessment in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.206. VA may ask applicants or grant
recipients to submit additional information regarding their ability to manage Federal
funds. The risk assessment may consider results of the applicant’s eligibility (threshold
review) or the quality of its application (merit review). If VA decides to make an award,
VA may add specific conditions to the award corresponding to the degree of risk.
VA will review any available information, including its own records and any Office of
Management and Budget-designated repository of Governmentwide eligibility or
financial integrity information, such as SAM.gov.
VA will comply with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. Parts 180 and 801.
Applicants may review and comment on any information in SAM.gov about their
organization. If the applicant comments on any SAM.gov records, VA will consider the
comment as part of the risk review.
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VIII. Award Notices
After an applicant is selected for a grant in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 17.705(a), VA
will draft a grant agreement with the grantee. Upon execution of the grant agreement,
VA will obligate the approved amount. The grant agreement will provide:
1. The grantee must operate the program in accordance with the provisions of this
section and the grant application.
2. If a grantee’s application identified a subrecipient, such subrecipient must
operate the program in accordance with the provisions of this section and the
grant application; and
3. If a grantee’s application identified funds will be used to procure or operate
vehicles to directly provide transportation services, the following requirements
must be met:
a. Title to the vehicles must vest solely in the grantee or in the identified
subrecipient or with leased vehicles in an identified lender.
b. The grantee or identified subrecipient must, at a minimum, provide motor
vehicle liability insurance for the vehicles to the same extent they would
ensure vehicles procured with their own funds;
c. All vehicle operators must be licensed in a U.S. State or Territory to
operate such vehicles;
d. Vehicles must be safe and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations; and
e. Vehicles must be operated in accordance with applicable Department of
Transportation regulations concerning transit requirements under the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
Successful applicants will receive a grant agreement signed and dated by the VTP
Program Office that will set forth the amount of the award and other pertinent
information. The grant agreement is the legal document/instrument issued to notify the
awardee that an award has been made and funds may be requested. It will also include
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standard Terms and Conditions related to participation in the Program. The grant
agreement will be electronically sent to the awardee organization as listed on its SF424.
Note that any communication between the VTP Office and awardees prior to the
issuance of the grant agreement is not authorization to begin performance on the
project.
Successful applicants selected for awards must agree to comply with additional
applicable legal requirements upon acceptance of an award. (VA strongly encourages
applicants to review the information pertaining to these additional requirements prior to
submitting a application). As to those additional requirements, please note that while the
original grants were subject to additional legal requirements as set forth in 38 C.F.R.
parts 43 and 49, those regulatory provisions have since been superseded by the
Common Rule governing all Federal Grant Programs. The Common Rule is codified at
2 C.F.R. Part 200. Thus, grantees and identified subrecipients awarded grants under
the Program must agree as part of their grant agreement to comply with all
requirements of the Common Rule, as applicable.
By accepting the agreement, the recipient, and its executives, as defined in 2 C.F.R. §
170.300, certify that the recipient’s policies are in accordance with the Office of
Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, all applicable Federal
laws, and Executive Orders.
Recipients will use the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Payment
Management System for grant drawdowns. Instructions for submitting requests for
payment may be found at https://pms.psc.gov.
Notice to Unsuccessful Applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their
status electronically to the applicant organization as listed on its SF424.
IX. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
Administrative and National Policy Requirements
After receiving funding, grant recipients must follow specific rules and regulations. This
includes federal laws, program regulations, program requirements, Executive Orders,
requirements outlined in this NOFO, and the terms and conditions outlined in the award
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agreement. By submitting an application and signing the SF-424, applicants confirm that
their entity will adhere to these requirements.
Reporting
All grantees will be required to submit progress reports throughout the period of
performance detailing progress toward meeting grant objectives stated in the originally
submitted proposal and in the Federal Grant Award Notification documents. Reporting
and monitoring cadence and rigor are determined by a grantee’s level of risk. A sample
reporting schedule may include submission of bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly,
or annual reports. Report submission may also require the use of designated software
by the VTP Program Office.
Awardees must agree to cooperate with any VA evaluation of the program and provide
required monthly, quarterly, annual, and final (at the end of the fiscal year) reports in a
form prescribed by VTP. A final report consists of a summation of grant activities which
include progress toward goals, financial administration of grant funds, and grant
administration issues and barriers. Reports are to be submitted electronically. These
reports must outline how grant funds were used, describe program progress and
barriers, changes in personnel, other relevant grant activities, and progress toward
measurable outcomes.
At a minimum, reports must include the following information:
• Veteran data and trip details;
• Record of time expended assisting with the provision of
transportation services;
• Record of grant funds expended assisting with the provision
of transportation services;
• Trips completed;
• Total distance covered;
• Veterans served;
• Locations which received transportation services; and
• Results of veteran satisfaction survey, as applicable.
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Target measures will be based on timely reporting of the above performance metrics:
Reporting must be received within 30 days after the quarter ends and 120 days after
the end of the grant cycle.
Grantees will also be evaluated for participation and attendance of quarterly
conference calls with VTP Office. Participants must attend at least three of the four
scheduled quarterly meetings (75%).
Additional Post Award Reporting: VA may request additional reporting requirements
allow VA to fully assess program effectiveness. Applicants should anticipate all
recipients (excluding an individual recipient of Federal assistance) of awards of
$25,000.00 or more under this solicitation, consistent with the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), Pub. L. 109-282 (Sept. 26,
2006) will be required to report award information on the subaward reporting system of
any first-tier subawards totaling $25,000.00 or more, and, in certain cases, to report
information on the names and total compensation of the five most highly compensated
executives of the recipient and first-tier sub-recipients. Each applicant entity must
ensure it has the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the
reporting requirements should it receive funding.
It is expected that reports regarding subawards will be made through the FFATA
Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) found at https://www.fsrs.gov. The FFATA
Subaward Reporting System is the reporting tool Federal prime awardees (i.e., prime
contractors and prime grants recipients) use to capture and report subaward and
executive compensation data regarding their first-tier subawards to meet the FFATA
reporting requirements. Prime contract awardees will report against sub-contracts
awarded and prime grant awardees will report against sub-grants awarded. Prime
contractors awarded a federal contract or order subject to Federal Acquisition
Regulation clause 52.204-10 (Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier
Subcontract Awards) are required to file a FFATA subaward report by the end of the
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month following the month in which the prime contractor awards any subcontract
greater than $25,000.00.
Please also note applicants should anticipate no subaward of an award made under this
solicitation may be made to a subrecipient subject to the terms of FFATA unless the
potential sub-recipient acquires and provides a Unique Entity Identifier number.
Federal Financial Report (FFR): Awardees are required to submit the FFR SF425 on an
annual basis. The FFR SF425 is available at www.grants.gov/forms/forms-
repository/post-award-reporting-forms.
Audit Requirements: Awardees must comply with the audit requirements of Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart F.
Information on the scope, frequency, and other aspects of the audits can be found on
the internet at 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart F.
Additionally, awardees must notify VA if they fall within the requirements of the Financial
Management Risk Reduction Act enacted on December 23, 2024, in Pub. L 118-207.
Program Variations: Any changes in a grantee’s program activities which result in
deviations from the grant agreement must be reported to VA.
Monitoring
VTP is responsible for program monitoring of all selected awardees. All awardees will
be required to cooperate in providing the necessary data elements to VTP. The goal of
program monitoring is to ensure program requirements are met; this will be
accomplished by tracking performance and identifying quality and compliance problems
through early detection. Methods of program monitoring may include monitoring the
performance of a grantee or subrecipient’s personnel, procurements, and/or use of
grant-funded property; collecting, analyzing data, and assessing program
implementation and effectiveness; assessing costs and utilization; and providing
technical assistance when needed. Site visit monitoring will include the above-
mentioned activities, in addition to the conduct of safety assessments and, if applicable,
verification of both current driver’s licenses and vehicle insurance coverage.
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X. Other Information
Pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 17.730(a), VA may recover from the grantee any funds not
used in accordance with a grant agreement. VA will issue to the grantee a notice of
intent to recover grant funds, if VA decides to recover funds, and the grantee will then
have 30 days to submit documentation demonstrating why the grant funds should not
be recovered. VA will determine whether action will be taken to recover the grant funds
after review of all submitted documentation. The grantee is then prohibited under 38
C.F.R. § 17.730(b) from receipt of any further grant funds when VA determines action
will be taken to recover grant funds from the grantee.
Additionally, VA is required to ensure compliance with all applicable statutes,
regulations, and Executive Orders when evaluating and awarding grants. In accordance
with Executive Order 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, aside from
the evaluation criteria published in this announcement, VA has discretion to remove
from consideration any applicant VA deems does not demonstrably advance the
President’s or VA’s priorities. VA will not fund activities that use racial preference for
eligibility criteria or promote gender ideology. VA will not fund activities that promote or
facilitate violations of immigration laws or are sources of waste, fraud, or abuse. VA will
not tolerate activity or conduct by grant recipients that constitute acts of moral turpitude,
are scandalous, or bring the recipient, the project funded by this grant, or VA into public
disrepute, contempt, or ridicule.
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Signing Authority
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has delegated authority to the Assistant Secretary for
Management and Chief Financial Officer to approve this document and authorized the
undersigned to sign and submit the document to Grants.gov for publication
electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
RICHARD Digitally signed by RICHARD
TOPPING
TOPPING
________________D_ate_: 2_02_6._03_.2_5 1_2:_38_:5_9 -_04_'0_0'
Richard F. Topping
Assistant Secretary for Management/Chief Financial Officer
Department of Veterans Affairs
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XI. Appendices
Appendix A: Definitions
The regulations for the Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program, found in 38 C.F.R
§§ 17.700-730, as well as the uniform guidance for grants (2 C.F.R. Part 200) contain
all definitions, authorities, and requirements pertaining to this program. Selected and
additional definitions are highlighted here for purposes of this NOFO:
• Applicant is an eligible entity that applies for a grant announced in a Notice of
Funding Opportunity.
• Eligible entity is either a Veterans Service Organization or a State Veterans
Service Agency.
• Grantee is an applicant that is awarded a grant under this NOFO.
• Highly rural area is an area consisting of a county or counties having a
population of less than seven persons per square mile.
• Participant is a Veteran in a highly rural area who is receiving transportation
services from a grantee.
• Provision of VA medical care means the provision of hospital or medical services
as authorized under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1710, 1703, and 8153.
• State Veterans Service Agency means the element of a State government that
has responsibility for programs and activities of that government relating to
Veterans benefits.
• Subrecipient is an entity that receives grant funds from a grantee to perform work
for the grantee in the administration of all or part of the grantee’s program.
• Transportation services mean the direct provision of transportation, or assistance
with transportation, to travel to VA medical centers and other VA or non-VA
facilities in connection with the provision of VA medical care.
• Veteran is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and
who was discharged or released there from conditions other than dishonorable.
• Veterans Service Organization is an organization recognized by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs for the representation of Veterans under 38 U.S.C. § 5902.
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Appendix B Relevant Resources
1. Grants.gov
2. HHS website
3. SAM.gov
4. Uniform Guidance for Grants
5. Highly Rural Transportation Grant Website
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> Download XLSX file: HRTG_Eligible_Counties FY26.xlsx