Promoting Access, Coordination, and Transformation (PACT) Grant Program

Promoting Access, Coordination, and Transformation (PACT) is a funding initiative issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration under the authority of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Rural Health Transformation Program. The program is designed to strengthen and modernize the rural healthcare system across Arkansas by expanding access to care, improving coordination among providers, and advancing system-wide transformation through integrated networks, workforce alignment, and technology-enabled infrastructure. The initiative reflects a broader federal investment in rural health capacity and is fully funded through CMS support, emphasizing sustainable and scalable improvements in healthcare delivery. The purpose of PACT is to ensure that rural residents receive timely, coordinated, and high-quality healthcare services regardless of geographic barriers. The program aims to reduce fragmentation across healthcare systems by linking hospitals, clinics, emergency medical services, pharmacies, and community partners into cohesive regional systems. Key objectives include expanding access to primary, specialty, preventive, and behavioral health services; improving coordination across providers; strengthening emergency response capabilities; and supporting clinically integrated networks and shared data infrastructure. The program also prioritizes workforce development, encouraging licensed healthcare professionals to operate at the top of their scope and addressing workforce shortages in rural areas. PACT funding is organized into several sub-initiatives that reflect different strategic priorities. These include ACCESS projects focused on expanding care capacity and telehealth infrastructure; CINC projects supporting clinically integrated networks and shared systems; ROADMAP initiatives addressing transportation, workforce deployment, and cross-sector coordination; SCoPE projects aimed at workforce training and scope-of-practice expansion; and SAFE projects that emphasize system alignment, facility enhancement, and regional collaboration. Each sub-initiative has a defined total funding allocation for the first program year, with SAFE representing the largest investment. Allowable costs include personnel, contractual services, equipment, software, training, and data-related expenses, provided they are necessary and directly tied to approved project activities. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which lowers the barrier to participation for eligible applicants. However, strict funding restrictions apply. Funds cannot be used for purposes prohibited under CMS Rural Health Transformation Program rules, including lobbying, broadband infrastructure development, profit-generating investments, or replacing existing funding streams. Administrative costs are capped, and salary charges must adhere to federal limits. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sustainability, as funds cannot support ongoing costs without a clear long-term plan. Eligibility for PACT is broad but focused on entities serving rural Arkansas. Eligible applicants include hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community clinics, emergency medical service providers, pharmacies, licensed healthcare practitioners, behavioral health providers, clinically integrated networks, and nonprofit or public entities. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient organizational, operational, and financial capacity to manage grant funds in compliance with federal and state regulations, including adherence to 2 CFR Part 200. Collaboration is a core requirement, and projects must support coordinated systems of care rather than standalone initiatives. The application process is governed by a formal Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applications opened on June 8, 2026, and close on July 10, 2026. Applicants are expected to submit proposals that include a clear implementation plan, measurable outcomes, and evidence of readiness and collaboration. While specific application components are not exhaustively listed in the summary, proposals must align with at least one PACT objective and demonstrate credible plans for achieving results. Awards are contingent on the state’s receipt of federal funds and do not guarantee future funding in subsequent program years. The performance period for Program Year 1 extends through September 30, 2027, with all funds required to be spent by that date and obligated by October 30, 2026. Awardees must comply with reporting and monitoring requirements, including quarterly progress reports and a final evaluation report. The state will oversee performance through financial and programmatic reporting and will use these reports to meet federal CMS requirements. This structured oversight ensures accountability and alignment with broader rural health transformation goals.

Ensure strong alignment with at least one PACT objective and demonstrate measurable outcomes and cross-provider collaboration as standalone projects will not be considered