HRSA has recently released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to award $50 million in New Access Point (NAP) funding. Up to $650,000 per year may be requested for up to two years, and HRSA expects to make up to 75 awards nationwide. An initial application was due March 12, 2019, and a supplemental information package was due on April 11, 2019. Funding is anticipated to be allocated as follows:

• $40,750,000 to be available for Community Health Center (CHC) funding applicants;
• $4,300,000 for Migrant Health Center (MHC) applicants;
• $4,350,000 for Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) applicants;
• And, $600,000 for Public Housing Primary Care (PHPC) applicants.

Notably, applicant scoring has changed from prior NAP opportunities. Under the new NOFO, an Unmet Need Score (UNS) based on the new Service Area Needs Assessment Methodology (SANAM) has replaced the Need for Assistance Worksheet (Form 9) previously used to assess need, and additional scrutiny will be given to service area overlap. Funding priorities for unserved, high poverty populations have been replaced by HRSA-assigned “Hot Spot” ZIP codes, as well as given for sparsely populated areas, and to those applicants with Health Center Look-Alike status.

What does CohnReznick think?

NAP applications are highly competitive, and it is imperative to create a strategy that will maximize your score in the application process. CohnReznick can assist eligible applicants* in developing a strong application that maximizes the new scoring methodology. Our experienced team can help you prepare your narrative, budget and related documents, and all grant-required forms and attachments, with special attention to the operational impact the proposed project will have on your organization. Contact us for further details and to see how we can best help you take advantage of this funding opportunity to grow your health center.

CohnReznick is a proud corporate sponsor of NACHC and looking forward to connecting with fellow community health center professionals and leaders at our Policy & Issues Forum booth this March in Washington, D.C.