Nutrition Security for People with HIV: Implementation Technical Assistance Provider

The Nutrition Interventions to Reduce Chronic Disease and Improve HIV Outcomes for People with HIV: Implementation Technical Assistance Provider opportunity is offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the HIV/AIDS Bureau. This federal initiative builds upon the long-standing Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which provides comprehensive care, treatment, and support services to individuals living with HIV across the United States. The program has historically supported nutrition services, but this funding opportunity reflects a strategic shift toward addressing evolving metabolic and chronic disease challenges among people with HIV, particularly those related to cardiometabolic health and long-term wellness. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to improve the delivery and effectiveness of nutrition services for people with HIV by applying implementation science. The selected recipient will act as a national technical assistance provider, identifying, adapting, and scaling evidence-based or evidence-informed nutrition interventions. These interventions may include medical nutrition therapy, food bank services, and home-delivered meal programs. The initiative emphasizes reducing chronic disease burden, particularly conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, while supporting improved HIV outcomes such as viral suppression and overall health stability. Funding is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from HRSA in program oversight and collaboration. The total expected funding for fiscal year 2026 is 2500000, with one award anticipated. The award spans a four-year project period from September 1 2026 through August 31 2030, with annual funding levels varying between 2500000 and 3000000. The recipient will be responsible for establishing and managing a network of ten demonstration sites, each implementing selected nutrition interventions. Funds must be used in accordance with federal regulations, and no cost-sharing requirement is mandated, although voluntary contributions are allowed but not considered in evaluation. Eligibility is broad but restricted to domestic organizations that qualify under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Parts A through D. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501c3 status, and tribal governments or organizations. Individuals are explicitly excluded. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage complex multi-site initiatives, provide technical assistance, and conduct evaluation using implementation science frameworks. The recipient must also ensure compliance with federal policies, including non-discrimination and appropriate use of funds. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, work plan, staffing plan, and supporting documentation. The project narrative must address program need, approach, evaluation strategy, sustainability, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated based on a 100-point merit review system, with emphasis on response strategy, organizational capability, and program impact. The review process includes both initial eligibility screening and detailed panel evaluation, followed by risk assessment and final selection considerations. Key dates include a notice of funding opportunity release on June 9 2026 and an application deadline of July 11 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by September 1 2026, with the project starting immediately thereafter. The program does not indicate recurring cycles, suggesting a one-time or irregular funding opportunity tied to federal appropriations. Applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars and consult HRSA resources for guidance during the application process. The initiative also includes ongoing reporting and compliance requirements for funded recipients. These include semi-annual progress reports, annual performance reports, and financial reporting through federal systems. Recipients must collaborate closely with HRSA, participate in national conferences if invited, and contribute to dissemination of findings and best practices. The program aims to generate scalable, sustainable models for nutrition interventions that can be replicated across diverse healthcare and community settings, ultimately improving long-term health outcomes for people living with HIV.

Emphasize implementation science framework demonstrate capacity to manage multi site demonstration network align interventions with Ryan White service categories and clearly define evaluation metrics and sustainability plan