In FY 07, 50 non-competing continuation grants were awarded. For FY 08, it is estimated that 50 competing continuation grants will be awarded.

Uses and Use Restrictions

This is a matching grant program with States to support the establishment and ongoing operation of Offices of Rural Health.

While a wide range of activities can be conducted to address unique State needs, each State Office of Rural Health must (1) Establish an information clearinghouse, (2) coordinate State and Federal rural health programs throughout the State, (3) provide technical assistance that will improve participation in State and Federal programs, and (4) work to improve availability of health professionals in rural areas.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

All fifty States may apply.

Each State can only submit one application.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Underserved populations in rural areas; facilities and services in rural areas.

Credentials/Documentation

Applicants should review the individual HRSA Guidance documents issued under this CFDA program for any required proof or certifications which must be submitted prior to or simultaneous with submission of an application package.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office of the official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

Grant applications and required forms for this program can be obtained from Grants.gov. Please visit the Grants.gov Web site at www.grants.gov to both find and apply for all Federal grant opportunities. All qualified applications will be forwarded to an objective review committee which will make funding recommendations to the Associate Administrator for the Office of Rural Health. The Associate Administrator has the authority to make final selections for awards.

Award Procedures

Applications are reviewed by Federal and non-Federal experts in rural health care services development, coordination, and delivery. Applications are evaluated for merit. Final decisions are made by the Associate Administrator, Office of Rural Health Policy.

Deadlines

www.hrsa.gov .

Authorization

Public Health Service Act, Section 338J; 42 U.S.C. 254r, as amended, Public Law 101-597.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 2 to 3 months.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Grantees may request funding beyond an initial project period by submitting a competing continuation application during a regular competing application cycle. All competitive cycles are contingent upon availability of funds for such purposes.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

States must match at least $3 for each $1 of Federal funds.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Grant applications should be submitted for a 5-year project period. Awards are normally made in a lump sum for an entire 12-month budget period. Payments are made annually either through a letter of credit or cash demand system.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A financial status report (FSR) is required to be submitted to Grants Management within 90 days of the end of the budget period.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

All records must be maintained until expiration of 3 years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. If questions remain following the 3-uear period, such as those raised as a result of an audit or an on-going enforcement action, recipients must retain records until the matter is completely resolved.

Financial Information

Account Identification

75-0350-0-1-550.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $7,267,000; FY 08 est $7,206,900; and FY 09 est.$7,200,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$100,000 to $150,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

This program is subject to the provisions of 45 CFR Part 92 for State, local and tribal governments and 45 CFR Part 74 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofit organizations and commercial organizations, as applicable.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Program Contacts: Keith Midberry, Program Coordinator, State Office of Rural Health Grant Program, Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, Public Health Service, Parklawn Building, Room 9A-55, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-2669; E-mail: kmidberry@hrsa.gov.

Headquarters Office

Grants Management Office: Rick Goodman, Director, Division of Grants Management Operations, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-16. Health Services Branch: 301-443-2385; Research and Training Branch; Telephone: (301) 443-3099; Government and Special Focus Branch; Telephone: (301) 443-3288.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Grant applications will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: (1) The extent to which the application is responsive to the requirements and purposes of the program; (2) the extent to which the applicant has developed measurable goals, objectives, and an evaluation plan for the required, and any discretionary, activities; (3) the extent to which the Office is coordinated with, and has the cooperation of, other health entities and activities within the State; (4) the strength of the applicant's plans for administrative and financial management of the Office; (5) the reasonableness of the budget proposed for the Office; and (6) the likelihood that the Office will be continued after Federal grant support is completed.