Leading Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) in Health Information Technology

The Leading Edge Acceleration Projects in Health Information Technology program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. This initiative is designed to support cutting edge research and development efforts that address persistent and emerging barriers in health information technology, particularly those affecting interoperability, data exchange, and the effective use of health data. The program builds on the federal government’s long standing investment in health IT infrastructure, including efforts stemming from the HITECH Act and the 21st Century Cures Act, which collectively aim to improve healthcare delivery through better data access, sharing, and integration. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to stimulate innovative solutions that advance a new generation of health IT capabilities. The program emphasizes solving real world challenges that inhibit the development and use of interoperable systems. Applicants are expected to propose projects aligned with one of three priority areas: advancing agentic artificial intelligence in clinical settings, improving API monitoring through community feedback mechanisms, or enhancing laboratory data interoperability among smaller laboratories. Each project must demonstrate potential to influence national standards, improve system performance, and generate scalable solutions for the healthcare ecosystem. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with substantial involvement from the federal agency throughout the project lifecycle. The program anticipates awarding up to three grants, one per priority area, with funding levels up to 1000000 dollars for the artificial intelligence track and up to 500000 dollars for the other two tracks. The total available funding is approximately 2000000 dollars. Projects are expected to span an initial two year performance period, with the possibility of a third year contingent upon funding availability and project performance. Funds must be used for allowable programmatic activities and cannot be used for infrastructure construction, land acquisition, or replacing existing funding streams. Eligibility is broad and includes public and nonprofit private institutions such as universities, colleges, community based organizations, and state or local government entities. Tribal governments and eligible federal agencies may also apply. For profit entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply directly but may participate as subrecipients or consortium members. Applicants must demonstrate a substantive role in the project and cannot act merely as pass through entities for funding distribution. The program encourages collaborative proposals involving multiple stakeholders and technical experts. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory components such as a project abstract, detailed project narrative, budget forms, and letters of commitment. While a letter of intent is not required, it is strongly encouraged and must be submitted prior to the application deadline. Applications are evaluated through a multi stage review process that includes screening for completeness and a merit based evaluation by an independent panel. Evaluation criteria include understanding of the project purpose, quality of the proposed approach, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Key dates include a letter of intent deadline in late June and a final application deadline of July 16, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced in late September 2026, with projects beginning shortly thereafter. Recipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports, participate in regular check ins with the funding agency, and produce final deliverables including reports and potentially open source tools or publications. The program also includes requirements for public dissemination of findings and adherence to federal reporting, compliance, and transparency standards.

Align proposal clearly with one Area of Interest; demonstrate technical feasibility and innovation; ensure strong stakeholder collaboration; provide detailed and realistic budget justification