Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant

The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant, solicitation number HHS-2026-ACF-ECD-TP-0039, is a funding opportunity provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. This program supports states and territories in making targeted, one-year investments in statewide early care and education technology and analytic data infrastructure. Applicants must choose between two investment options: Technology Infrastructure Investment or Innovation Testing Investment. The primary goal is to strengthen the ability to generate actionable information for decision-making, improve program quality and access, and enhance coordination across mixed-delivery systems for children from birth through age five. Total program funding is estimated at 222 million dollars, with approximately 25 awards expected. Individual awards range from a floor of 500,000 dollars to a ceiling of 15 million dollars, and recipients are required to provide a 30 percent cost-sharing match. Applications are due by November 20, 2026, via Grants.gov and must include a project narrative and budget within a combined 75-page limit. Awards are determined through a merit review process scoring up to 130 points, with an additional 8 bonus points available for demonstrating engagement with the governor's office. Recipients must maintain an active SAM.gov registration and adhere to 2 CFR 200 administrative requirements.