In extremely rare instances, we allow you to submit your grant application after the deadline.
When will we consider extending an application deadline?
We will only consider extending your application deadline in one of the following circumstances:
- A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-designated natural disaster on the day of the deadline.
- Examples: a flood, earthquake, or hurricane
- A validated service disruption in a specific area
- Example: a widespread power or internet service outage
- A validated technical issue on our side. One that prevented you from applying by the deadline
- Example: Grants.gov system outage or malfunction
- Incorrect Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) instructions
What can you do if one of these applies to your situation?
If you find yourself in one of these circumstances, you may request a waiver. You must do so within five days of the application deadline.
How do you request a waiver?
You request an extension by emailing us a waiver request.
In your email to us, you must include:
- The NOFO number for which you are seeking relief
- Your organization’s name, address, and telephone number
- Your organization’s DUNS number
- Your Project Director’s name and telephone number
And if applicable:
- The “rejected with errors” notification from Grants.gov
- Any tracking numbers or information Grants.gov and/or the HRSA Contact Center sent you
Note: In cases where the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) or an immediate family member died or experienced a sudden severe illness, provide us with an explanation. We don't expect any other documentation.
Only HRSA staff who need to know (such as those with referral or review responsibilities) will have access to this information.
How will we evaluate your request?
After we receive your waiver request, we conduct a thorough analysis. We must be able to prove that the issue is legitimate.
We will obtain case notes from Grants.gov. These notes include information such as
- when you called Grants.gov;
- issues you reported; and
- the subsequent resolution (if any).
We may also review Grants.gov data such as your
- System for Award Management (SAM) status
- AOR status
- Audit trail (e.g. when you registered, when you attempted to submit your application)
Note: We don’t guarantee approval of any waiver request. We make determinations on a case-by-case basis. You cannot appeal our decision.
How long does it take us to review your request?
Typically, it takes us three days to review and respond to your request.
What happens if we grant you a deadline extension?
If we grant you a deadline extension, we will re-open the relevant funding opportunity. This will allow you to submit your application through the Grants.gov portal.
What are the top reasons applicants request waivers?
The top reasons we receive waivers are due to:
- An incorrect or missing DUNS number
- Lack of registration
- Not allowing adequate time to complete and submit their application by the published deadline.
Note: None of these reasons will result in a deadline extension. Only submit a waiver request if you meet one of the circumstances listed.
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Call 800-518-4726
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