Medical Forensic Access Initiative

The Medical Forensic Access Initiative is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Office on Women’s Health within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is authorized under the Public Health Service Act and aligns with provisions of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act. It is designed to improve national capacity to deliver timely, high-quality medical forensic examinations for women and girl survivors of sexual assault. The initiative reflects a broader federal priority to strengthen healthcare systems, improve data collection, and address persistent gaps in access to forensic healthcare services, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support practical, scalable, and data-driven projects that enhance access to medical forensic examinations. Applicants are expected to identify and address barriers such as workforce shortages, geographic disparities, and system-level inefficiencies. Projects should focus on improving healthcare coordination, expanding access to trained forensic examiners such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, and strengthening telehealth-enabled service delivery models. Emphasis is placed on measurable system improvements, including enhanced reporting capacity, improved quality of care, and better coordination across healthcare and victim service systems. Funding under this initiative totals approximately five million dollars, with individual awards ranging from five hundred thousand to one million dollars. The program anticipates making between one and five awards. The period of performance is expected to be twenty four months, structured as two twelve month budget periods, with the possibility of a competitive third year. Funds may be used for activities such as data collection and reporting, workforce development, tele forensic implementation, healthcare system assessments, and quality improvement initiatives. Construction costs and pre award expenses are not allowable, and salary limitations apply in accordance with federal guidelines. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes public and private entities located in the United States and its territories. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and for profit entities including small businesses. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate partnerships with state, local, tribal, or territorial entities and other relevant stakeholders such as healthcare providers, public health agencies, and victim service organizations. Collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged to enhance system coordination and service delivery. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and must include required forms such as the SF 424, SF 424A, and a project narrative, appendices, and budget package. The project narrative must clearly describe the need, organizational capacity, program design, data collection strategy, partnerships, and evaluation plan. Applications are reviewed based on criteria including statement of need, organizational capacity, program design, data collection and evaluation, sustainability, and budget justification. Applications that do not meet eligibility, responsiveness, or formatting requirements will be disqualified prior to review. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 25, 2026, with a technical assistance webinar held on June 29, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be issued by September 30, 2026, with projects expected to begin on the same date. The program is not rolling and represents an initial announcement, with no explicit confirmation of recurrence. Applicants are advised to ensure all registrations, including SAM.gov and Grants.gov, are completed in advance. Successful applicants will be required to comply with federal reporting requirements, including performance and financial reporting, and to demonstrate measurable progress toward improving access to medical forensic services. Overall, the Medical Forensic Access Initiative represents a significant federal investment in strengthening healthcare infrastructure for survivors of sexual assault. By focusing on data driven solutions, workforce development, and system level coordination, the program aims to create sustainable improvements in access, quality, and responsiveness of forensic healthcare services across the United States.

Focus on demonstrating measurable system level impact strong partnerships and data driven methodologies align clearly with forensic examination access goals