HIV Early Intervention Services (EIS) Program Existing Geographic Service Areas (EISEGA) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): HIV Early Intervention Services (EIS) Program Existing Geographic Service Areas (EISEGA) - HRSA-12-075

1) What is the HIV Early Intervention Services (EIS) Program Existing Geographic Service Areas (EISEGA) grant?

The HIV Early Intervention Services (EIS) Program Existing Geographic Service Areas (EISEGA) is a discretionary grant program from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Its purpose is to sustain outpatient early intervention and primary care services for people living with HIV within designated, existing geographic service areas.

2) What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The core intent is to ensure that individuals with HIV infection can access ongoing, high-quality medical care early in the course of disease, and that this care is integrated into a broader continuum linking HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services. In practical terms, the program supports outpatient care that helps patients enter care sooner, remain engaged, and receive coordinated services that support medical outcomes and overall wellbeing.

3) What does "Existing Geographic Service Areas" mean for applicants?

This announcement is aimed at "existing geographic service areas," meaning it is intended to support service delivery in designated areas already defined by the program rather than opening competition broadly for new geographic expansions. Applicants are instructed to consult the full funding opportunity announcement to identify the specific service areas available, since eligibility is tied to those locations.

4) What types of services are EIS grantees expected to provide?

Funded EIS programs are expected to deliver comprehensive early intervention services that go beyond a single clinical visit or limited primary care. Grantees must provide appropriate medical evaluation and clinical care and ensure access to essential supportive health services that commonly affect outcomes for people living with HIV.

5) Which supportive service areas are specifically required under this opportunity?

The required service areas include oral health care, outpatient mental health services, outpatient substance abuse services, and nutritional services. The program also emphasizes providing appropriate referrals for specialty services when patient needs fall outside the core scope of the program.

6) Why does the program emphasize supportive services like mental health, substance use, nutrition, and oral health?

The opportunity reflects that effective HIV care often depends on addressing co-occurring conditions and barriers to care such as depression, substance use, poor nutrition, and untreated dental problems. These issues can interfere with medication adherence and continuity of care, so the program requires access to these supportive services as part of comprehensive outpatient care.

7) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is HRSA-12-075.

8) What is the CFDA number and program title associated with this opportunity?

The program is listed under CFDA 93.918, titled "Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease."

9) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

10) How many awards did HRSA anticipate making, and what was the estimated total funding amount?

HRSA anticipated making 58 awards under this opportunity, with an estimated total funding amount of $30,495,550.

11) When was the opportunity posted and when were applications due?

The opportunity was posted on August 22, 2011. The original application closing date and the final application closing date were both October 14, 2011.

12) What does the archive date indicate for this opportunity?

The archive date listed is December 12, 2011. This indicates the opportunity was archived after the application period closed.

13) Is cost sharing or matching required to apply for or receive this award?

No. The announcement specifies there is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Applicants were not required to contribute non-federal matching funds as a condition of receiving an award.

14) Who is eligible to apply for this HRSA EIS/EISEGA opportunity?

Eligibility is broad across public, nonprofit, tribal, and higher education entities, as long as they meet the geographic and program requirements described in the full announcement (including the requirement related to the defined service areas).

15) What types of government entities are listed as eligible applicants?

The eligible categories listed include state governments; county governments; city or township governments; and special district governments.

16) Are public housing authorities eligible to apply?

Yes. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities are listed among eligible applicants.

17) Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible, as well as other Native American tribal organizations.

18) Are nonprofit organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations are listed as eligible, including 501(c)(3) organizations and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (with exclusions as described in the listing and any additional detail in the full announcement).

19) Are institutions of higher education eligible?

Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicant types.

20) The eligibility list mentions "Others." What does that mean?

The listing includes an "Others" category with clarification provided in the full announcement. Prospective applicants are directed to verify eligibility details in the full funding opportunity announcement, particularly because eligibility is tied to defined geographic service areas.

21) Where should applicants look to confirm the specific eligible service areas?

Applicants are instructed to consult the full funding opportunity announcement for the specific service areas available, since eligibility is tied to those locations. The full announcement and supporting details were made available through HRSA's grants website via the link included in the notice.

22) How can an organization get help accessing the full announcement or ask HRSA questions?

HRSA provided support through the HRSA Call Center. Assistance is available by email at CallCenter@HRSA.GOV and by phone at 877-464-4772 (877-Go4-HRSA). An alternate phone number is 301-998-7373.

23) What kind of care setting does this program focus on?

The program focuses on outpatient settings, with an emphasis on keeping patients connected to routine clinical care, supporting early entry into care, continued engagement, and coordinated services as part of a broader continuum of HIV-related services.

24) Does the program emphasize referrals for services not directly provided by the EIS program?

Yes. The opportunity specifies that grantees should provide appropriate referrals for specialty services when needs fall outside the core scope of the program.