Rapid Response Rural Data Analysis and Issue Specific Rural Research Studies

The Health Resources and Services Administration is seeking one recipient to support timely data analysis and issue-specific research on critical rural health challenges through a cooperative agreement under the Rapid Response Rural Data Analysis and Issue Specific Rural Research Studies Program. The initiative aims to enhance understanding of emerging factors impacting rural healthcare delivery and to improve outcomes across rural America by providing actionable, evidence-based insights to stakeholders. The award will fund a five-year period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, with annual budget periods not to exceed $600,000 per year. Proposals must include a comprehensive work plan, staffing plan with job descriptions for key personnel, organizational chart, agreements with subrecipients or contractors, and two national-level research proposals, all contained within an 80-page limit excluding certain forms. All work must align with HRSA’s strategic priorities, comply with Section 508 accessibility standards, adhere to 2 CFR 200 federal grant regulations, and follow the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to protect sensitive health data. Applications are evaluated on a holistic trade-off basis against five primary criteria: response quality (35 points), organizational resources and capabilities (35 points), need (10 points), potential impact (10 points), performance reporting (5 points), and requested support (5 points), totaling 100 points. Sub-factors include rapid response data analysis, issue-specific research design, project management, access to national datasets, and prior experience in rural health research. The recipient must deliver publicly accessible reports and briefs via the Rural Health Research Gateway and submit quarterly and annual performance reports. Submissions are mandatory through Grants.gov by July 8, 2026, and must be in approved file formats without encryption or compression. Applicants must have an active Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov, and the award will be administered by HRSA’s Office of Financial Assistance and Awards Management. Key contacts for programmatic and financial matters are provided, and all activities must avoid duplication with existing funding, particularly from the CMS Rural Transformation Program, which requires disclosure if applicable. No physical delivery, packaging, or invoicing requirements are specified, as the award pertains to research and analysis services rather than tangible goods.