Notice2025-08537
Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Funding Opportunity
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 15, 2025
Issuing agencies
Veterans Affairs Department
Abstract
VA is announcing the availability of funds for suicide prevention grants under the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The SSG Fox SPGP directs efforts to reduce Veteran suicide by awarding grants to community-based organizations to provide or coordinate the provision of primarily non-clinical suicide prevention services, including outreach and linkage to VA and community resources, to eligible individuals and their families. The SSG Fox SPGP furthers VA's public health approach to suicide prevention by combining community-based efforts with linkage to clinical care to prevent Veteran suicide for those inside and outside of VA health care. The goal of these grants is to reduce Veteran suicide risk by improving mental health status, well-being, financial stability, and social support for eligible individuals and their families.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 93 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 93 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20739-20745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08537]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Funding
Opportunity
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.
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SUMMARY: VA is announcing the availability of funds for suicide
prevention grants under the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant
Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The SSG Fox SPGP directs efforts to reduce
Veteran suicide by awarding grants to community-based organizations to
provide or coordinate the provision of primarily non-clinical suicide
prevention services, including outreach and linkage to VA and community
resources, to eligible individuals and
[[Page 20740]]
their families. The SSG Fox SPGP furthers VA's public health approach
to suicide prevention by combining community-based efforts with linkage
to clinical care to prevent Veteran suicide for those inside and
outside of VA health care. The goal of these grants is to reduce
Veteran suicide risk by improving mental health status, well-being,
financial stability, and social support for eligible individuals and
their families.
DATES: Applications for suicide prevention services grants must be
received by 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 18, 2025. See Section IV of
this NOFO for application submission information. VA is unable to
receive any application after the deadline.
ADDRESSES: While all applications must be submitted electronically,
copies of the application can be downloaded from the SSG Fox SPGP
website at <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/">https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/</a>. Questions
should be referred to the SSG Fox SPGP via email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#702631232337361f083702111e04033006115e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2f4e3f1f1e5e4cddae5d0c3ccd6d1e2d4c38cc5cdd4">[email protected]</span></a>. For detailed program information and
requirements, see 38 CFR part 78 at <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-78</a>.
Technical Assistance: Information regarding how to obtain technical
assistance with the preparation and submission of a suicide prevention
grant application is available on the SSG Fox SPGP website at: <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/">https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Sandra Foley, SSG Fox Suicide
Prevention Grant Program Director, Office of Suicide Prevention, by
email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c0a1d0f0f1b1a33241b2e3d32282f1c2a3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bceafdefeffbfad3c4fbceddd2c8cffccadd92dbd3ca">[email protected]</span></a> or phone at (202) 502-0002. (This is not
a toll-free telephone number.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Funding Opportunity Title: Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention
Grant Program.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: VA-FOX-SP-FY2026.
Assistance Listing Number: 64.055 Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide
Prevention Grant Program.
Eligible applicants are organizations that meet the definition of
an eligible entity in section 201(q)(3) of the Commander John Scott
Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (Hannon
Act), codified at 38 U.S.C. 1720F note. These may include incorporated
private institutions or foundations for which no part of the net
earnings incur to the benefit of any individual and that have a
governing board responsible for the operation of the suicide prevention
services provided under the SSG Fox SPGP; corporations wholly owned by
incorporated private institutions or foundations meeting the
requirements listed above; Indian tribes; community-based organizations
that can effectively network with local civic organizations, regional
health systems, and other settings where eligible individuals and their
families are likely to have contact; and state or local governments.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) assumes that Congress
will extend the authority and appropriate funds consistent with section
201 of the Hannon Act as currently written. The NOFO contains
information concerning the SSG Fox SPGP; the renewal and new suicide
prevention grant application processes; and the amount of funding
available. Awards made for suicide prevention grants will fund
operations beginning on September 30, 2025, if the authority granted by
section 201 of the Hannon Act is extended and funds are appropriated.
This is a one-year award with the option to renew for an additional
year, pending availability of funds and grantee performance. For
detailed program information and requirements, see part 78 of title 38,
Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR part 78).
Note: This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) replaces the NOFO
published on May 8, 2025 at 90 FR 19596).
Before You Begin: If you believe you are a good candidate for this
grant, secure your <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> and <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> registrations now, as these
can take up to ten days or more to become active. See <a href="https://sam.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/entity-checklist.pdf">https://sam.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/entity-checklist.pdf</a> for a checklist on
what you will need to register in SAM. <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> guidance is available
at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration">https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration</a>.
A web version of the VA--FSC Vendor File Request Form must be
submitted through the VA Customer Engagement Portal at <a href="https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov">https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov</a> by the application deadline stated in this NOFO.
Ensure that the information provided on this form aligns with the
information listed in <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>. This form is required for all
applicants. Proof of registration should be included in the application
packet.
Funding Details: This NOFO announces the availability of funds for
suicide prevention grants under the SSG Fox SPGP for services in
federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
A. Funding Priorities: The funding priorities for this NOFO are as
follows: Under Priority 1, the 93 current grantees may apply for a new
grant award to continue to provide services within the scope of their
current grant award; for purposes of 38 CFR part 78, these awards are
considered renewals. Priority 1 applicants must apply using the renewal
application. To be eligible for renewal of a suicide prevention grant,
the Priority 1 applicants' current program must be performing
satisfactorily and remain substantially the same. An increase to the
funding amount or change in service area is considered a substantial
change to the program concept. Renewal applications can request funding
that is equal to or less than their current annualized award. If a
Priority 1 applicant is not renewed, the existing grant will end on
September 30, 2025.
Under Priority 2, VA will accept applications from eligible
entities that are not current grantees for funding consideration.
Priority 2 applicants must apply using the application materials
designated for new applicants.
B. Allocation of funds: Approximately $52,500,000 is available for
grant awards under this NOFO, subject to Congressional appropriations
and extension of the authority to operate the SSG Fox SPGP. The maximum
allowable grant size is $750,000 per year per eligible entity. The
expected value of individual awards may range from $100,000 to
$750,000. The expected number of total awards is 80-100. Priority 1
applicants may request an amount less than their current award; this
will not be considered a substantial change to the program.
C. Grant Award Period: Grants awarded will be for a 1-year period
starting September 30, 2025. Awards may be extended for up to one
additional year pending availability of funding and grantee
performance.
D. Risk Assessment: Per 2 CFR 200.206, VA will evaluate risks posed
by applicants to include review of available information on financial
stability, management systems and standards, history of performance,
audit reports and findings, and ability to effectively implement
requirements.
Eligibility
A. Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are organizations that
meet the definition of an eligible entity in section 201(q)(3) of the
Hannon Act:
(1) an incorporated private institution or foundation--(i) no part
of the net earnings of which incurs to the benefit of any member,
founder, contributor, or individual; and (2) that has a governing board
that would be responsible for the operation of the suicide prevention
services provided under this section;
(2) a corporation wholly owned and controlled by an organization
meeting
[[Page 20741]]
the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A);
(3) an Indian tribe;
(4) a community-based organization that can effectively network
with local civic organizations, regional health systems, and other
settings where eligible individuals and their families are likely to
have contact; or
(5) a State or local government.
Demonstration of eligibility as detailed in the application
includes submission of documents as outlined in Section V of this NOFO.
Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management
(sam.gov) and provide a unique entity identifier and continue to
maintain an active SAM registration with current information as per 2
CFR part 200. There is no limit to the number of applications that may
be submitted.
B. Cost Sharing and Matching: Applicants are not required to submit
proposals that contain sharing or matching funds.
Program Description
A. Funding Priorities: The principal goal of this NOFO is to seek
entities that have demonstrated the ability to provide or coordinate
Veteran suicide prevention services. VA will consider Priority 1
applications from renewal grantees according to 38 CFR 78.40 and
Priority 2 applications from new applicants according to 38 CFR 78.30.
Following the ranking and selection of renewal applicants, if remaining
funds are available, they will be awarded pursuant to the following
Priority 2.
B. Definitions: The regulations for the SSG Fox SPGP, published as
an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register on March 10, 2022
(<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/10/2022-04477/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/10/2022-04477/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program</a>), and
codified in 38 CFR part 78, contain all detailed definitions and
requirements pertaining to this program. A subsequent technical
correction to the regulation was published in the Federal Register on
March 22, 2022 (87 FR 16101, <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/22/2022-05849/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/22/2022-05849/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program</a>). VA adopted the Interim Final Rule as Final
with changes on August 1, 2024 (89 FR 62659, <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/01/2024-16586/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/01/2024-16586/staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide-prevention-grant-program</a>). These changes are
effective under this NOFO.
C. Approach: Suicide prevention services are those services that
address the needs of eligible individuals and their families and are
necessary for improving the mental health, well-being, financial
status, and social support, and reducing the suicide risk of eligible
individuals. All applicants must include in their application that they
will provide or coordinate the required baseline mental health
screening to all eligible individuals enrolled in grantee services. In
addition, each application must include the proposed suicide prevention
services to be provided or coordinated and the identified need for
those services. Suicide prevention services may include:
Outreach to identify and engage eligible individuals at highest
risk of suicide per 38 CFR 78.45:
(1) Grantees providing or coordinating the provision of outreach
must use their best efforts to ensure that eligible individuals,
including those who are at highest risk of suicide or who are not
receiving health care or other services furnished by VA, and their
families are identified, engaged, and provided suicide prevention
services.
(2) Outreach must include active liaison with local VA facilities;
state, local, or tribal government (if any); and private agencies and
organizations providing suicide prevention services to eligible
individuals and their families in the area to be served by the grantee.
Grantees identify eligible individuals for services in accordance
with 38 CFR 78.10. Based on the suicide risk and eligibility screening
conducted by grantees with VA provided tools, eligible individuals that
should be considered at highest risk of suicide are those with a past
suicide attempt or preparatory behavior for suicide, a recent
hospitalization for suicidality, and recent or current suicidal
thoughts. VA will provide access to the Columbia Suicide Severity
Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to determine the level of suicide risk. Grantees
are required to have a presence in the area to meet with individuals
and organizations to create referral processes to the grantee and other
community resources. VA requires that grantees coordinate with local VA
facilities on a regular basis to coordinate the provision of health
care and other services to eligible individuals.
Baseline mental health screening per 38 CFR 78.50: This baseline
mental health screening ensures that the participant's mental health
needs can be properly determined and that suicide prevention services
are tailored to meet the individual's needs. VA provides access to the
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale
(GSE), Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), Socio Economic
Status (SES) and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale (WEMWBS)
to all grantees. These five tools together comprise the baseline mental
health screening. This service is required by all grantees.
If an eligible individual is at risk of suicide or other mental or
behavioral health condition pursuant to the baseline mental health
screening, the grantee must refer such individual to VA for care. When
such referrals are made by grantees to VA, to the extent practicable,
those referrals are required to be a ``warm hand-off'' to ensure that
the eligible individual receives necessary care. This ``warm hand-off''
may include providing any necessary transportation to the nearest VA
facility, assisting the eligible individual with scheduling an
appointment with VA, and any other similar activities that may be
necessary to ensure the eligible individual receives necessary care in
a timely manner.
Apart from clinical services for emergency treatment under 38 CFR
78.60(a), funds provided under this grant program may not be used to
provide clinical services (e.g., psychotherapy, psychiatry, medical
care).
Education per 38 CFR 78.55: Education can include suicide
prevention gatekeeper training, lethal means safety training, or
specific education programs that assist communities, Veterans and
families with the identification, assessment, or prevention of suicide.
Gatekeeper training generally refers to programs that seek to develop
individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and skills to prevent suicide.
Gatekeeper training is an educational course designed to teach clinical
and non-clinical professionals, or gatekeepers, the warning signs of a
suicide crisis and how to respond and refer individuals for care.
Learning the signs of suicide risk, how to reduce access to lethal
means, and to connect those at risk of suicide to care can improve
understanding of suicide and has the potential to reduce suicide.
Clinical services for emergency treatment per 38 CFR 78.60:
Clinical services may be provided for emergency treatment of a
participant. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the
definition of emergency treatment in 78.60(d), which could include
emergency mental health conditions, and is characterized by acute
symptoms of sufficient severity requiring immediate attention. If a
participant is furnished clinical services for emergency treatment and
requires ongoing services, the grantee must refer eligible individuals
to VA and family
[[Page 20742]]
members to appropriate non-VA services for additional care.
Case management services per 38 CFR 78.65: Case management services
are focused on suicide prevention to effectively assist participants at
risk of suicide based on their assessed needs.
Peer support services per 38 CFR 78.70: Grantees providing or
coordinating peer support must do so to help participants understand
what resources and supports are available in their area for suicide
prevention. Peer support services that are provided must be provided by
veterans trained in peer support with similar lived experiences related
to suicide or mental health. Peer support specialists are members of an
interdisciplinary team and serve as role models and a resource to
assist participants with their mental health recovery. Peer support
services by a trained peer support specialist differ from other service
offerings that merely include peers. Qualification standards for peer
specialists include the criteria from 38 U.S.C. 7402 that the
individual is (1) a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a
mental health condition, and (2) certified by (i) a not-for-profit
entity engaged in peer support specialist training as having met such
criteria as VA shall establish for a peer support specialist position,
or (ii) a state as having satisfied relevant state requirements for a
peer support specialist position. VA has further set forth
qualifications for its peer specialists in VA Handbook/Directive 5005,
Staffing (Part II, Appendix F3, last updated September 30, 2021;
<a href="https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=1479&FType=2">https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=1479&FType=2</a>).
Assistance in obtaining VA benefits per 38 CFR 78.75: This
assistance will provide participants with additional means of awareness
and linkage to available VA benefits such as (1) vocational and
rehabilitation counseling; (2) supportive services for homeless
Veterans; (3) employment and training services; (4) educational
assistance; and (5) health care services. Grantees are not permitted to
represent participants before VA with respect to a claim for VA
benefits unless they are recognized for that purpose pursuant to 38
U.S.C. 5902. Employees and members of grantees are not permitted to
provide such representation unless the individual providing
representation is accredited pursuant to 38 U.S.C. chapter 59.
Assistance in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits and
assistance with emergent needs per 38 CFR 78.80: Grantees providing
this service assist participants in obtaining and coordinating benefits
that are provided by Federal, state, local, or tribal agencies, or any
other grantee in the area served by the grantee, by referring the
participant to and coordinating with such entity.
Public benefits and assistance that grantees may provide
participants referrals to include: health care services, which include
(1) health insurance and (2) referrals to a governmental entity or
grantee that provides (i) hospital care, nursing home care, outpatient
care, mental health care, preventive care, habilitative and
rehabilitative care, case management, respite care, home care, (ii) the
training of any eligible individual's family in the care of any
eligible individual, and (iii) the provision of pharmaceuticals,
supplies, equipment, devices, appliances, and assistive technology.
Grantees may also refer participants, as appropriate, to an entity that
provides daily living services relating to the functions or tasks for
self-care usually performed in the normal course of a day.
Grantees may provide directly or provide referrals for personal
financial planning services; transportation services; temporary income
support services (including, among other services, food assistance and
housing assistance); fiduciary and representative payee services; legal
services to assist eligible individuals with issues that may contribute
to the risk of suicide; and childcare. For additional details on these
elements, applicants should consult 38 CFR 78.80.
Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices
per 38 CFR 78.85: Applicants may propose nontraditional and innovative
approaches and treatment practices in their grant applications,
providing adequate detail, and supplying evidence or outcomes
supporting the services' effectiveness of improving mental health or
mitigating a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Nontraditional, innovative, and other services are still subject to the
requirement that medical or clinical services are not fundable unless
emergent, as under 38 CFR 78.60. VA reserves the right to approve or
disapprove nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment
practices to be provided using funds authorized under the SSG Fox SPGP.
Other services per 38 CFR 78.90: Grantees may provide general
suicide prevention assistance under this section for expenses
specifically associated with gaining or keeping employment or lethal
means safety and storage. This assistance may include payment directly
to a third party (and not to a participant or their family), in an
amount not to exceed $750 per participant during any 1-year period.
Applicants may propose additional suicide prevention services to be
provided. Examples of other services may include, but are not limited
to, adaptive sports; equine assisted therapy; in-place or outdoor
recreational therapy; substance use reduction programming; non-clinical
individual, group, or family counseling; and relationship coaching. VA
reserves the right to approve or disapprove other services to be
provided or coordinated to be provided using funds authorized under SSG
Fox SPGP.
D. Authority: Funding applied for under this NOFO is authorized by
section 201 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Health
Improvement Act (Pub. L. 116-171, ``Hannon Act''). VA established and
implemented this statutory authority for the SSG Fox SPGP in 38 CFR
part 78. Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to the
requirements of section 201 of Hannon Act, 38 CFR part 78, and other
applicable laws and regulations. Awardees under this NOFO will comply
with all laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders.
E. Performance Indicators: The goals of SSG Fox SPGP services are
to reduce the Veteran participants' suicide risk and improve their
mental health status, wellbeing, financial stability, and social
support. Change scores in these domains are determined through pre- and
post-service mental health screenings, which allow both an assessment
of individual progress and collective impact of the grantee services.
Each grantee proposes a program concept, budget, service area, and
estimated number of individuals to be served based on their unique
community's assessed needs. VA evaluates grantee performance in
multiple areas, including but not limited to participant service
outcome data, grantee alignment with program goals, demonstrated reach
to populations at elevated risk for suicide and not currently served by
VA, fiscal management, and timely responsiveness to information
requested by VA.
F. Guidance for the use of VA suicide prevention grant funds:
Consistent with section 201(o) of the Act, only grantees that are a
state or local government or an Indian tribe can use grant funds to
enter a subcontractor or ``pass through'' agreement with a community
partner under which the grantee may provide funds to the community
partner for the provision of services to eligible individuals and their
families. However, all grantees may choose to enter contracts for goods
or services because
[[Page 20743]]
in some situations, resources may be more readily available at a lower
cost, or they may only be available, from another party in the
community.
Grantees may make qualifying payments directly to a third party on
behalf of a participant in certain situations, including childcare,
transportation, food, and housing per 38 CFR 78.80, and the general
suicide prevention assistance described in 38 CFR 78.90.
Funds can be used to conduct outreach, educate, and connect with
eligible individuals who are not engaged with VA services. Any outreach
and education that is funded by SSG Fox SPGP should link directly back
to a referral to the grantee's program for an opportunity to enroll the
eligible individual in the program.
Funds must be used to screen for eligibility and suicide risk and
enroll individuals in the program accordingly. Note that some
individuals who come through the referral process may not engage in
services. Grantees are expected to determine what referrals are
appropriate for these individuals for follow up services. Funds must be
used to coordinate and provide suicide prevention services, by the
grantee, based on screening and assessment, including clinical services
for emergency treatment.
Funds must also be used to evaluate outcomes and effectiveness
related to suicide prevention services. Prior to providing suicide
prevention services, grantees must verify, document, and classify each
participant's eligibility for suicide prevention services. Grantees
must determine and document each participant's degree of risk of
suicide using tools identified in the suicide prevention services grant
agreement. Grantees must also provide or coordinate the provision of a
mental health screening to all eligible individuals they serve, when
possible. This screening is done with VA-provided tools at intake and
again when services are ending and is required of all grantees for each
eligible individual served. Having this screening occur at the
beginning and prior to services ending is important in evaluating the
effectiveness of the services provided.
Grantees must document the suicide prevention services provided or
coordinated, how such services are provided, the duration of the
services, and any goals for the provision or coordination of such
services. If the eligible individual wishes to enroll in VA health
care, the grantee must inform the eligible individual of a VA point of
contact for assistance with enrollment.
For each eligible individual enrolled in grantee services, grantees
must develop and document an individualized plan with respect to the
provision of suicide prevention services and based upon needs
identified in the baseline screening. This plan must be developed in
consultation with the participant.
Additional program guidance is available via the Program Guide,
which may be downloaded from <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/">https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/</a>.
Application Content and Format
A. Threshold Review: VA will only score applicants who meet the
following threshold requirements as per 38 CFR 78.20: the application
must be filed within the time period established in the NOFO, and any
additional information or documentation requested by VA is provided
within the time frame established by VA; the application must be
completed in all parts; the activities for which the suicide prevention
services grant is requested must be eligible for funding; the
applicant's proposed participants must be eligible to receive suicide
prevention services; the applicant must agree to comply with the
requirements of 38 CFR part 78; the applicant must not have an
outstanding obligation to the Federal Government that is in arrears and
does not have an overdue or unsatisfactory response to an audit; and
the applicant must not be in default by failing to meet the
requirements for any previous Federal assistance. If these threshold
requirements are not met, VA will deem applicants to be ineligible for
further consideration.
B. Priority 1 (Renewals): VA's regulations at 38 CFR 78.35 describe
the criteria that VA will use to score those grantees who are applying
for renewal of a grant. Such criteria will assist with VA's review and
evaluation of grantees to ensure that those grantees have successful
existing programs using the previously awarded grant funds and that
they have complied with the requirements of 38 CFR part 78 and section
201 of the Act. The criteria in Sec. 78.35 ensure that renewals of
grants are awarded based on the grantee's program's success, cost-
effectiveness, and compliance with VA goals and requirements for this
grant program. In addition to the application score, VA's ongoing
assessment of grantee performance is a factor in renewal decisions.
Using a weighted scoring method, the renewal application is
organized into the following sections: Program Outcomes (maximum 55
points), Cost Effectiveness (maximum 20 points); Compliance with
Program Goals and Requirements (25 maximum points); Exhibits (no point
values).
VA will use the following criteria to score grantees applying for
renewal of a suicide prevention services grant:
(1) the success of the grantee's program, as demonstrated by
progress on program goals via outcome measures and surveys.
(2) the cost-effectiveness of the grantee's program.
(3) the extent to which the grantee's program complies with SSG Fox
SPGP goals and requirements.
The Exhibit section includes an applicant budget template, to be
submitted in a VA provided Microsoft Excel file. The budget submission
must include: (1) Annual budget, attached as Exhibit I, and (2) a
Budget Narrative, which provides a description of each of the line
items contained in the renewal application.
C. Priority 2 (New Applicants): VA's regulations at 38 CFR 78.25
describe the criteria that VA will use to score new applications.
Applicants must include all required documents in their application
submission. Required documents include the completed budget template,
organizational chart, key personnel resumes, hiring criteria for
proposed staff, and documentation to verify eligible entity type.
Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, inconsistent, unclear, or
incorrectly formatted application package will result in the
application being rejected.
Using a weighted scoring method, VA will use the following criteria
to score applicants who are applying for a new suicide prevention
services grant:
(1) the background, qualifications, experience, and past
performance of the applicant and any community partners identified by
the applicant in the suicide prevention services grant application.
(maximum 30 points)
(2) the applicant's program concept and suicide prevention services
plan, to include projected number of eligible individuals to be served.
Note: program concepts proposing primarily or exclusively unallowed
services, such as non-emergent clinical care, will not be considered.
(maximum 30 points)
(3) the applicant's quality assurance and evaluation plan. (maximum
15 points)
(4) the applicant's financial capability and plan. (maximum 15
points)
(5) the applicant's area linkages and relations with federal,
state, local, or tribal governments or private entities that can
enhance services and program effectiveness. (maximum 10 points)
The Exhibit section includes an applicant budget template, to be
[[Page 20744]]
submitted in a VA provided Microsoft Excel file. The budget submission
must include: 1) Annual budget, attached as Exhibit I and 2) a Budget
Narrative, which provides a description of each of the line items
contained in the application.
Submission Requirements and Deadlines
Obtaining an Application Package: Initial and renewal applications
are accessed via the electronic grants management system described at
<a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/">https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/</a>. Any questions regarding
this process should be referred to SSG Fox SPGP via email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b3d2a38382c2d04132c190a051f182b1d0a450c041d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1b7a0b2b2a6a78e99a693808f9592a19780cf868e97">[email protected]</span></a>. For detailed program information and
requirements, see 38 CFR part 78. Note, this opportunity is not subject
to Intergovernmental Review per executive order 12372.
Form of Application: Applicants must submit applications
electronically following instructions found at <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/">https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/</a> grants/. Applications may not be
mailed, hand carried, or sent by facsimile.
Submission Date and Time: Applications for suicide prevention
grants under SSG Fox SPGP must be received by 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on
July 18, 2025. Awards will fund operations beginning September 30,
2025. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials
arriving separately will not be included in the application package for
consideration and may result in the application being rejected.
Additionally, in the interest of fairness to all competing applicants,
this deadline is firm as to date and hour. Applicants should take this
practice into account and make early submission of their materials to
avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated
delays, computer service outages, or other delivery-related problems.
Please see the contact information in Section I. Basic Information of
this Notice for any technical questions or difficulties with
submission.
Funding Restrictions: Funding will be awarded under this NOFO to
existing grantees and new applicants (pending the availability of
funds), for services beginning September 30, 2025. In addition to
limitations set forth in law and regulation, the following restrictions
apply:
(1) Funding cannot be used for construction.
(2) Funding cannot be used for vehicle purchases.
(3) Funding cannot be used for food for staff unless part of per
diem travel.
(4) Funding cannot be used for direct cash assistance to
participants and their families.
(5) Funding cannot be used for legal services prohibited pursuant
to Sec. 78.80(g).
(6) Funding cannot be used for medical, clinical, or dental care
and medicines except for clinical services for emergency treatment
authorized pursuant to Sec. 78.60.
(7) Funding cannot be used for any activities considered illegal
under Federal law, and any costs identified as unallowable per 2 CFR
part 200, subpart E.
Application Review Information
A. Review Process: Grant applications will be scored by a VA grant
review committee that will be trained in understanding the program's
goals, the requirements of the NOFO, VA's regulations for this Program
(38 CFR part 78), and the prescribed scoring rubrics in 38 CFR 78.25
and 38 CFR 78.35 (pursuant to 2 CFR part 200). Consistent with 38 CFR
78.40, if all available grant funds are awarded to renewal grants for
existing grantees, no new applications will be awarded.
Applications must receive at least 60 points and at least one point
under each of the criteria noted above in Section IV of this NOFO.
Renewal applicants must also be assessed by VA as having at minimum,
satisfactory performance under the terms of their current grant
agreement. After selection of renewal applicants, if there is funding
available, VA will score and rank all new applicants who score at least
60 cumulative points and receive at least one point under each of the
criteria noted above in Section IV of this NOFO.
VA will utilize the ranked scores of new applicants as the primary
basis for selection. The applicants will be ranked in order from
highest to lowest. However, VA will give preference to applicants that
have demonstrated the ability to provide or coordinate suicide
prevention services.
To the extent practicable, VA will ensure that suicide prevention
services grants are distributed to:(i) Provide services in areas of the
United States that have experienced high rates of suicide by eligible
individuals; (ii) Applicants that can assist eligible individuals at
risk of suicide who are not currently receiving health care furnished
by VA; and (iii) Ensure that suicide prevention services are provided
in as many areas as possible.
Award Notices
A. Award Notices: Although subject to change, VA expects to
announce grant awards in the fourth quarter of federal FY 2025. VA
reserves the right in any year to adjust (e.g., to funding levels) as
needed within the intent of the NOFO based on a variety of factors,
including the availability of funding. The initial announcement of
awards will be made via a news release posted on VA's SSG Fox SPGP
website at <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants">https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants</a>. The SSG Fox
SPGP will concurrently notify both successful and unsuccessful
applicants. Only a grant agreement with a VA signature is evidence of
an award and is an authorizing document allowing costs to be incurred
against a grant award. Other notices, letters, or announcements are not
authorizing documents. The grant agreement includes the terms and
conditions of the award and must be signed by the entity and VA to be
legally binding.
Post-Award Requirements and Administration
A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: VA places great
emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in
place to monitor grants provided under the SSG Fox SPGP. All applicants
selected in response to this NOFO must agree to meet applicable
inspection standards outlined in the grant agreement.
Applicants selected in response to this NOFO shall notify SSG Fox
SPGP of the start and end dates of their fiscal years, the amount of
any other Federal awards they have received since the beginning of the
fiscal year during which the application was submitted, the dates of
those awards, and whether they have undergone an audit in accordance
with 31 U.S.C. chapter 75.
As SSG Fox SPGP grants cannot be used to fund treatment for mental
health or substance use disorders, except for clinical services for
emergency treatment, applicants must provide evidence that they can
provide access to such services to all program participants through
both collaboration with local VA medical facilities, and formal and
informal agreements with community providers.
B. Reporting and Monitoring: Applicants should be aware of the
following:
(1) Upon execution of a suicide prevention services grant agreement
with VA, grantees will have a liaison appointed by the SSG Fox SPGP who
will provide oversight and monitor the use of funds to provide or
coordinate suicide prevention services provided to participants.
[[Page 20745]]
(2) VA will require that grantees use validated tools and
assessments furnished by VA to determine the effectiveness of the
suicide prevention services. These include any measures and metrics
developed and provided by VA for the purposes of measuring the
effectiveness of the programming in improving mental health status,
well-being, financial stability, and social support, and in reducing
suicide risk of eligible individuals. Grantees will be required to use
the VA Data Collection Tool for this purpose.
(3) Grantees must provide each participant with a satisfaction
survey, which the participant can submit directly to VA, within 30 days
of such participant's pending exit from the grantee's program. This is
required to assist VA in evaluating grantees' performance and
participants' satisfaction with the suicide prevention services they
receive.
(4) Monitoring will also include the submission of periodic and
annual financial and performance reports by the grantee in accordance
with 2 CFR part 200. The grantee will be expected to demonstrate
adherence to the grantee's proposed program concept, as described in
the grantee's application or in any approved revisions.
(5) VA has the right, at all reasonable times, to make onsite
visits to all grantee locations and have virtual meetings where a
grantee is using suicide prevention services grant funds to review
grantee accomplishments and management control systems and to provide
such technical assistance as may be required.
C. Payments to Grantees: Grantees will receive payments
electronically through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Payment Management System. Grantees will have the ability to request
payments as frequently as they choose. Grantees must have internal
controls in place to ensure funding is available for the full duration
of the grant period of performance, to the extent possible. As
described in 38 CFR 78.140, costs for administration by a grantee will
be consistent with 2 CFR part 200.
D. Program Evaluation: The purpose of program evaluation is to
evaluate the impact participation in the SSG Fox SPGP has on eligible
individuals' financial stability, mental health status, well-being,
suicide risk, and social support, as required by the Act.
As part of the national program evaluation, grantees must input
data regularly in VA's web-based Data Collection Tool. VA will ensure
grantees have access to the data they need to gather and summarize
program impacts and lessons learned on the implementation of the
program evaluation criteria; performance indicators used for grantee
selection and communication; and the criteria associated with the best
outcomes for Veterans.
Training and technical assistance for program evaluation will be
provided by VA, which will coordinate with subject matter experts to
provide various trainings, including the use of measures and metrics
required for this program.
Signing Authority
Douglas A. Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and
signed this document on May 8, 2025, and authorized the undersigned to
sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for
publication electronically as an official document of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2025-08537 Filed 5-14-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 15, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.