What should a contractor focus on when responding to an RFA?

Contractors should focus on clearly demonstrating their expertise, the innovative nature of their proposed project, and its potential impact. Strong alignment with the funding agency's goals is critical.

What type of funding instrument is associated with an RFA?

RFAs typically result in the award of either a grant or a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements involve substantial involvement from the funding agency during the project.

RFA (Request For Application) | GovCon Glossary

RFA (Request For Application)

What is RFA (Request For Application)?

A Request For Application (RFA) is a type of solicitation used by federal agencies to solicit proposals for projects that are typically funded via grants or cooperative agreements. RFAs are often used to support research, development, demonstration projects, or social programs where the government seeks to foster innovation or address specific societal needs. Understanding the nuances of RFAs is critical for contractors seeking to access these non-traditional funding opportunities.

Definition

An RFA is a formal announcement from a government agency indicating the availability of grant or cooperative agreement funding for specific types of projects. Unlike a Request for Proposal (RFP), which focuses on acquiring goods or services for direct government use and is governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), an RFA is often associated with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 2, Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). The purpose of an RFA is to attract innovative solutions and collaborations that contribute to the agency's mission and benefit the public. It's important to note that cooperative agreements, awarded through RFAs, involve substantial involvement by the awarding agency. This means the agency may actively participate in the project's implementation.

Key Points

Funding Type: RFAs typically lead to grants or cooperative agreements, not contracts governed by the FAR.
Focus on Innovation: RFAs prioritize innovative approaches, research, and development efforts.
Alignment with Agency Goals: Proposals must closely align with the funding agency's strategic goals and priorities.
Evaluation Criteria: Evaluation criteria often prioritize the project's potential impact, the proposer's expertise, and the project's feasibility.

Practical Examples

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant: The NIH frequently uses RFAs to solicit research proposals aimed at advancing medical knowledge and improving public health. These RFAs often require detailed research plans and demonstrate the potential for significant scientific breakthroughs.
Department of Education Innovation Grants: The Department of Education uses RFAs to fund innovative educational programs and initiatives, such as those focused on improving student outcomes in underserved communities. Proposals must demonstrate a clear understanding of educational challenges and propose effective solutions.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Justice Grants: The EPA issues RFAs to support projects that address environmental justice issues in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. These projects may involve community engagement, environmental monitoring, and remediation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both solicit proposals, RFAs are generally used for awarding grants or cooperative agreements, focusing on research, development, or social programs. RFPs are used for procuring goods or services where the government receives a direct benefit.