Cooperative Agreements to States/Territories for the Coordination and Development of Primary Care Offices
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Additionally, grantees submitted Statewide Rational Service Area plans.
Program Objective
The State Primary Care Offices (PCO) cooperative agreement aims to improve access to primary, dental, and mental health services for uninsured, isolated, and medically vulnerable populations by coordinating statewide primary care initiatives and health workforce strategies. Through statewide needs assessment, shortage designation coordination, and targeted technical assistance, the PCO identifies unmet health needs, monitors provider availability, and supports the development and expansion of community-based primary care delivery systems. The program further advances recruitment and retention efforts—including support for National Health Service Corps initiatives—and works collaboratively with state agencies, health centers, and community partners to strengthen the primary care safety net. Collectively, these activities position the PCO to lead long-term, data-driven strategies that address health workforce shortages and expand access to care across the state.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State
- U.S. Territory Government
States or territories, political subdivisions of States, agencies of States, or other public entities that operate solely within one State or represent multiple territories where appropriate. These entities must provide statewide coverage for primary health care issues and represent or have relationships with the broad range of primary health care delivery systems and programs in the State.
Beneficiaries
- Health Professional
- Veteran (including dependents)
Health Professional Shortage Areas and Medically Underserved Areas/Populations within States and Territories will benefit from this program. Primary Care Offices (PCO) submit applications for designation status, which are reviewed and processed by the Division of Policy and Shortage Designation.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Notification of award is made in writing (electronic) through a Notice of Award.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Approximately from 120 to 180 days after receipt of application.
Program details & compliance
Description
The State Primary Care Offices (PCO) cooperative agreement aims to improve access to primary, dental, and mental health services for uninsured, isolated, and medically vulnerable populations by coordinating statewide primary care initiatives and health workforce strategies. Through statewide needs assessment, shortage designation coordination, and targeted technical assistance, the PCO identifies unmet health needs, monitors provider availability, and supports the development and expansion of community-based primary care delivery systems. The program further advances recruitment and retention efforts—including support for National Health Service Corps initiatives—and works collaboratively with state agencies, health centers, and community partners to strengthen the primary care safety net. Collectively, these activities position the PCO to lead long-term, data-driven strategies that address health workforce shortages and expand access to care across the state.
Mission Categories
Primary: General Health and Medical
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Recipients will be expected to perform State-wide primary care planning and resource coordination, including maintaining and updating databases that reflect current levels of health professional shortage areas (HPSA) and medically underserved areas and populations (MUAP), Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance program, State Offices of Rural Health, Ryan White Area Health Education Centers, Maternal and Child Health, etc.; support health systems development, primary care practitioners retention and recruitment, National Health Service Corps monitoring activities, as well as activities relating to other special populations including rural populations; and conduct operational and administrative support activities.
Required Documentation
Applicants should review the individual HRSA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued under this assistance listing for any required proof or certifications which must be submitted prior to or simultaneous with submission of an application package. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements