Request for Application(RFA)
A solicitation for applications, commonly used in the context of grants and cooperative agreements rather than traditional contracts.
Overview
A Request for Application (RFA) is a solicitation document used primarily in the grants and cooperative agreements arena, inviting qualified organizations to submit applications for funding. Unlike an RFP which seeks proposals for contracted services, an RFA typically funds research, demonstration projects, or public benefit programs where the government provides financial assistance rather than purchasing a deliverable.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Many organizations that compete for contracts also pursue grants and cooperative agreements. Understanding the RFA process expands a firm's pipeline beyond traditional procurement to include research funding, capacity building, and program implementation opportunities from agencies like NIH, NSF, USAID, and DOE.
Key Details
- Grants vs. Contracts: RFAs result in grants or cooperative agreements, not contracts; the legal and financial frameworks differ significantly.
- Merit Review: Applications are typically evaluated through peer or merit review panels rather than source selection boards.
- Cost Share: Many RFAs require applicants to contribute matching funds or cost sharing.
- Grants.gov: Federal RFAs are posted on Grants.gov, the central portal for federal grant opportunities.
- Reporting: Award recipients submit technical and financial reports but have more autonomy in how they accomplish objectives.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data helps contractors identify opportunities across both contract and grant channels, providing a comprehensive view of federal funding that includes RFAs alongside traditional solicitations.
Related Terms
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Grants and Cooperative Agreements
- Grants.gov
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
More Solicitations Terms
A procurement approach where the government selects the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit, considering factors beyond just price.
The group of offerors selected by the government as having a reasonable chance of being awarded the contract, based on initial proposal evaluations.
A solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
A source selection method where the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all technical requirements.
A document that describes required contract outcomes and performance standards rather than prescribing how the work should be done.
A pre-solicitation document where the government seeks industry input on requirements, capabilities, and market conditions before issuing a formal solicitation.
Ready to Win More Contracts?
Use GovCon Data to find opportunities matched to your business and generate winning proposals with AI.