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662839 - FY27 RFP COAEEAP27007 for TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE for NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) GRANT PROPOSAL
Funding Opportunity Details
Community Access
Final Application Deadline: Jun 18, 2026 4:00 PM
Status Posted
Posted Date May 14, 2026 2:21 PM
Award Amount RangeNo Limit - $500,000.00
Project Dates 08/01/2026 - 06/30/2029
Award Announcement Date 07/08/2026
Categorical Area
Recurring Opportunity
Program Officer John McMullen
Phone (515) 416-8565 x
Email [email protected]
Description
Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # COAEEAP26007 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicants to provide state-wide and local programming that supports economic mobility for Iowa families. Funds are made available through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and must achieve one of the four purposes of TANF:
- Provide assistance to needy families
- End dependence on benefits
- Prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies
- Encourage two-parent families
Priority Projects will demonstrate that they can make measurable progress in the following areas:
· Reducing barriers to consistent and stable employment for the TANF-eligible (≤ 200% FPL) population
· Enhancing opportunities for TANF-eligible Iowans who are employed to increase their income
· Reducing dependence on government-provided benefits or assistance
· Improving overall education and work-readiness gains for the TANF-eligible population
· Enhancing community-based and local programming focused on economic mobility for the TANF-eligible population
Schedule of Important Dates (All times and dates listed are local Iowa time.)
The following dates are set forth for informational purposes. The Agency reserves the right to modify these dates at its discretion.
EVENT
DATE
RFP Issued
May 14, 2026
Written Questions and Responses
1st Round Questions Due:
1st Round Responses Posted By:
Final Questions Due:
Final Responses Posted By:
May 21, 2026
May 28, 2026
June 4, 2026
June 11, 2026
Applications Due
June 18, 2026, by 4:00 PM Local Iowa Time
Post Notice of Intent to Award
On or around July 8, 2026
Attachments
| Description | File Name | Type | Size | Upload Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. RFPCOAEEAP27007 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Grant Proposal | A. RFPCOAEEAP27007 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families .pdf | 540 KB | 05/14/2026 02:03 PM | |
| B. HHS Application Instructions_Guidance New IG | B. HHS Application Instructions_Guidance New IG.pdf | 2 MB | 05/14/2026 02:03 PM | |
| C. FY26 TANF Partner Support Grant - Sample Draft Contract | C. FY26 TANF Partner Support Grant - Sample Draft Contract.pdf | 302 KB | 05/14/2026 02:04 PM | |
| D. FY26 TANF Partner Support Grant - Draft Application Score Tool | D. FY26 TANF Partner Support Grant - Draft Application Score Tool.pdf | 178 KB | 05/14/2026 02:04 PM |
Website links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| A. IowaGrants Registration and Login Instructions | https://dom.iowa.gov/state-government/grant-management |
| B. General Terms and Contingent Terms | https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/contract-terms |
| C. HHS Statewide Services Map | https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/14027/download?inline |
| D. TANF Code of Federal Regulations | https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-B/chapter-II/part-260 |
| Submitted Date | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2026 11:03 AM | The RFP states that existing Iowa HHS providers are not eligible for this Partner Support Grant funding. Does that include any current provider that may provide Early Childhood, SAL, or Refugee programming through a current Iowa HHS contract that is not related to this RFP opportunity? | Existing Iowa HHS providers are not eligible for funding under this RFP if their proposed project supplements or supplants funding that is currently being provided by HHS for that program. Existing Iowa HHS providers are eligible to propose new initiatives that are responsive to the scope of work in this RFP. They are encouraged to clearly state how the new initiative is different from any currently contracted programming. |
| May 19, 2026 1:49 PM | Could you provide guidance on acceptable documentation for determining customer eligibility? | Acceptable forms of documentation could include the following for each area: - Identify: Valid Government Issued phone ID (ex. Drivers license); Birth Certificate - Citizenship Status: Social Security Card or acceptable non-citizen documentation; for non-Citizens documentation confirming their eligible status. - Financial: Recent pay stubs; or employer statement; bank statement; tax return or W-2; Social Security award letter. - Residency: current utility bill, lease agreement, or other correspondence showing Iowa address - Verification that they are receiving FIP, or other public assistance |
| May 19, 2026 1:49 PM | For a school-based program operating in high-poverty communities, would HHS permit a braided funding model that includes TANF funds alongside other funding sources? In this model, what participant eligibility documentation would apply to TANF-supported services? | Yes, Iowa HHS permits braided funding that includes TANF alongside other funded streams. With TANF funds supporting eligible school-based participants the following eligibility documentation would apply: - Income & Household Status: Verify household income is at or below 225% of FPL with documentation such as recent check stubs, employer statements, bank statements or tax returns. Household size and composition would be needed to calculate the FPL. - Citizenship Status: US citizenship or Qualified alien documentation such as birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, or passport. For non-citizens, documentation confirming that eligible status. - Residency: Proof of Iowa residence such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, or other correspondence. - Purpose, Need, and Compliance: Documentation linking the participant to TANF eligible services. Services fit under one of the four purposes of TANF and be an allowable use of TANF funds. |
| May 19, 2026 8:18 PM | If the Agency is seeking providers that can provide services statewide, will there be the ability to have budgets exceeding $500,000 in the first or future years of the contract? | Currently, there is no ability to have the budget exceed $500,000 in either the first or future years of this contract. |
| May 21, 2026 3:01 PM | This RFP References Families. In considering the definition of Families, if the individuals served are young adults aged 18-24 and are not parents with children, can they be served under this RFP? | Young adults aged 18-24, without a minor child, would not meet the definition of a TANF-eligible family. Federal TANF funds cannot be used unless there is a minor child in the home. A minor child is defined as under age 18, or age 18 and is a full-time student in a secondary school (or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training). |
| May 21, 2026 3:01 PM | Would integrated workforce development models that also include stabilization supports such as behavioral health, recovery, or housing supports be considered responsive to the intent of the RFP? | Yes, integrated workforce development models that include stabilization supports such as behavioral health, recovery, or housing can align with intent of this RFP. As long as the proposed model meets the RFPs objectives and maintains clear boundaries for each funding source. |
| May 21, 2026 3:02 PM | How broadly does the state envision workforce development within this opportunity, particularly regarding supportive services and long-term self-sufficiency? | Iowa HHS envisions broad and integrated workforce development within this RFP. As stated in the RFP, services provided must compliment, and not duplicate, the services being performed by Iowa Workforce Development and PROMISE JOBS. |
| May 21, 2026 3:02 PM | Are applicants encouraged to propose innovative or pilot approaches, provided measurable outcomes and sustainability can be demonstrated? | Yes, applicants are strongly encouraged to propose innovative or pilot approaches. Innovative, pilot-worthy proposals with measurable outcomes and a sustainability strategy align well with Iowa HHSs intent with this RFP. |
| May 21, 2026 3:02 PM | Are transitional employment environments and real-world work experience models considered allowable workforce development activities within this opportunity? | Transitional employment environments and real-world work experience are allowable workforce development activities under TANF and are appropriate within this opportunity. Services provided must compliment, and not duplicate, the services being performed by Iowa Workforce Development and PROMISE JOBS. |
| May 21, 2026 3:03 PM | As applicants prepare proposals, are there particular priorities, themes, or outcomes the state hopes to see emphasized within applications? | Yes, the RFP highlights several priorities, themes, and outcomes that the Iowa HHS hopes applicants emphasize in their proposals. Iowa HHS encourages innovative proposals that align their scope of work and deliverables. As highlighted in the RFP the overarching goal is for applicants to propose projects that demonstrate they can make measurable progress in the following areas: - Reducing barriers to consistent and stable employment for the TANF-eligible population - Enhancing opportunities for TANF-eligible Iowans who are employed to increase their income - Reducing dependence on government-provided benefits or assistance - Overall education and work-readiness gains for the TANF-eligible population - Enhancing community-based and local programming focused on economic mobility for the TANF eligible population. |
| Jun 1, 2026 12:25 PM | If an organization has two distinct approaches and project designs that meet the goals of the RFP, is an organization able to submit and be awarded 2 separate awards? If so, would each award be up to the $500,000 limit? | Section 1.14 Multiple Applications states an applicant may submit only one application as a lead entity; however, they may be a partner entity in multiple applications. You can submit more than one proposal, with the understanding that Iowa HHS could only award them one as a lead entity. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:31 AM | For a full grant award of approximately $500,000, does HHS have an expectation or preferred range for the number of TANF-eligible individuals or families served? Is there a minimum number of TANF families and individuals to be served? | The RFP does not set a required minimum number of TANF-eligible families or individuals to be served. The RFP does require applicants to propose their own enrollment targets, outreach volumes, and output measures that are reasonable and measurable. The Agency will evaluate these numbers during the scoring and negotiations process. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:32 AM | If there is a preferred number served, if an applicant proposes a more intensive workforce stabilization model with coaching, case management, transportation, and supportive services, is a lower number served acceptable if the outcomes are deeper and more measurable? | Yes, a lower number is acceptable if the model is more intensive and the outcomes are deeper and more measurable. The RFP has no minimum number to be served; applicants may define outcome expectations that align with their model; the scoring criteria focuses on appropriateness and measurables, not scale; and programs may focus on specific areas of expertise and are not required to address all objectives. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:32 AM | Would minor youth who are part of TANF-eligible families be eligible to participate in workforce readiness, transitional employment, or real-world work experience activities under this RFP? | Yes, minor youth in TANF-eligible families may be eligible to participate as the RFP does not prohibit serving youth. The RFP TANF-eligible household definition includes children, and the RFP does not restrict services to adults only. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:33 AM | Can TANF funds support workforce development models that produce goods or products that directly benefit TANF-eligible families as part of a broader family stabilization and economic mobility strategy? Additionally, would TANF funds be allowable to support the purchase or distribution of those goods/products to TANF-eligible families when directly connected to the programs workforce and family stabilization goals? | Yes, TANF funds may be utilized to support a workforce development model that produces goods or products, and TANF funds may be utilized to support the distribution of those products to TANF-eligible families. Both activities must directly support a TANF purpose, reduce barriers, and promote economic mobility. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:33 AM | Would it be allowable for a program to include both direct workforce training for TANF-eligible participants and distribution of the product produced through that training to other TANF-eligible families? | Yes, a program can include both as long as distribution of the product to TANF-eligible families is tied directly to a TANF purpose and the RFPs goals. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:34 AM | Are applicants expected to serve only individuals currently receiving TANF benefits, or can the program serve individuals/families who meet TANF eligibility criteria but are not currently enrolled in TANF? | Applicants may serve both individuals and families currently receiving TANF, and individuals and families who meet the TANF eligibility criteria (less than 225% of FPL) but are not currently enrolled in or receiving TANF assistance. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:35 AM | Can outreach, recruitment, eligibility screening, and referral development be included as allowable activities if the applicant is building a TANF-eligible participant pipeline? | outreach, recruitment, eligibility screening, and referral development are allowable activities and are expected to be a part of the programs design. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:35 AM | Are supportive services such as transportation, work clothing, food support, coaching, and family engagement allowable when tied directly to workforce participation and reducing barriers to employment? | Yes, the listed supportive services are allowable under this RFP when they are tied directly to a workforce participation, work readiness, skill development, barrier reduction, family stability or economic mobility. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:36 AM | Does HHS have a preference between serving a narrower, clearly defined TANF-eligible population with more intensive supports versus a broader TANF-eligible population with lighter-touch workforce engagement? | Iowa HHS does not prefer one model over another. The program needs to have a clear rationale, align with a TANF purpose, have an appropriate budget and staffing plan, and produce measurable, and meaningful outcomes for TANF-eligible families. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:36 AM | Are applicants allowed to braid this funding with other public or private funding sources, as long as clear boundaries are maintained and TANF funds are only used for eligible participants and allowable activities? | Yes, braiding of these TANF funds with public or private funding sources is allowed as long as TANF funds are spent only on TANF-eligible households, TANF funds are used only for TANF allowable activities, and clear financial boundaries and documentation are established. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:38 AM | Can the TANF funds be used for participation incentives and/or stipends by engaging in workforce programs? | Yes, participation incentives and stipends are allowable under this RFP. They need to be directly connected to workforce programs, reduce barriers or support engagement, are time-limited, documented according to TANF rules, and are not provided as ongoing income support. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:43 AM | Can the workforce development program we run serve only TANF eligible participants or can we also serve non-TANF eligible participants alongside them? If we have a mixed population of TANF-eligible, and non TANF- eligible participants in our program, do funds need to be spent only on TANF-eligible participants? | Programs can serve both TANF-eligible participants and non-TANF eligible participants. However, TANF funds can only be used to serve the TANF-eligible population. To stay compliant, you would need to track eligibility for all participants, allocate costs cleanly between TANF and non-TANF funding, and ensure supportive services are provided with TANF dollars only to TANF-eligible participants. |
| Jun 3, 2026 11:45 AM | Can funds be applied to leased facilities used for programming including such things as rent and utilities for the organization's facilities? | Yes rent, utilities, and leased facility costs are allowable under this RFP as long as: 1. They are charged as Administrative Costs (up to 15%) or as part of your Indirect Cost Rate 2. They support TANF allowable program activities 3. Proper financial documentation and cost allocation are followed. TANF funds cannot support facilities used for prohibited activities, non-TANF allowable services, and non-TANF participants, unless costs are prorated. If the facility has a mixed population of TANF eligible and non-TANF eligible, you must prorate the costs, so TANF funds pay only the TANF-eligible share. See Section 1.24 of the RFP. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:23 PM | The RFP references rent, lease payments, and utilities as potential costs. Can those expenses include lease/rent/utilities for dedicated program space used to deliver TANF-funded services, such as workforce training space, greenhouse/worksite space, or space at a YSS program site? Or is that language intended only for rent/utility assistance provided directly to participants? | Yes these are allowable organizational expenses. The rent/lease/utilities language can include costs for dedicated program space used to deliver TANF-funded services. No that language is not referring to rent/utility assistance for participants. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:24 PM | If a workforce development program serves both TANF-eligible participants and non-TANF-eligible participants in the same setting, is that allowable if TANF funds are only used for eligible participants and costs are clearly allocated/documented? | Yes, both TANF-eligible and non-TANF eligible participants may both be served in the same setting. TANF funds must be used exclusively for TANF-eligible households and TANF-allowable activities. Proper cost allocation, clear documentation, and financial separation between TANF and non-TANF expenses must be maintained. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:24 PM | If braided funding is used to support a mixed population of TANF eligible and non-TANF eligible, what documentation or budget allocation method would HHS expect to ensure TANF funds are only supporting TANF-eligible participants and allowable TANF activities? | Yes, braided funding for a mixed population of TANF-eligible and non-TANF eligible is fully allowable. You must ensure TANF dollars are only used for TANF-eligible household and allowable activities. Iowa HHS expects eligibility documentation for all TANF-funded participants, service documentation for all TANF-funded activities, and a clear, reasonable, auditable cost allocation method. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:25 PM | For minor youth who are members of TANF-eligible households, must the family unit also participate in programming, or can the minor youth be the primary participant receiving workforce readiness, transitional employment, or work experience services? | Yes minor youth in TANF-eligible households can be the primary program participants. It is not a requirement that the family unit participate in order for the youth to be able to participate. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:25 PM | If family engagement is expected or preferred, is there a minimum level of family involvement HHS would expect, such as occasional family engagement, family stability planning, parent/caregiver meetings, or a specific percentage of overall programming? | Iowa HHS does not require a minimum level of family involvement. This is an area that the RFP provides broad flexibility to the applicants. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:26 PM | Are participant wages, stipends, or paid work experience allowable under this RFP when tied directly to workforce readiness, transitional employment, or real-world work experience? | Yes Consistent with TANF non-assistance rules and this RFPs goals, participant wages, stipends, and paid work experience are allowable under this RFP as long as they are directly connected to workforce readiness, transitional employment, or real-world work experience. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:26 PM | Are incentives or asset-building supports allowable, such as matched savings, completion incentives, emergency savings, or other supports designed to help TANF-eligible participants build financial stability? | Yes Incentives, matched savings, emergency savings, and other asset building strategies are allowable under this RFP. To be eligible they must: Are tied to participation in allowable TANF activities Support economic mobility or financial stability Are time limited (not ongoing assistance) Properly documented |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:26 PM | Are there limits on the amount or type of direct financial support, stipends, incentives, or asset-building funds that may be provided to participants? | There are no specific limits in the RFP on the amount or type of direct financial support, stipends, incentives, or asset-building funds that may be provided to participants. These supports are allowable as long as: They are time limited (non-assistance) They support TANF purposes They are tied to participation or barrier reduction Are properly documented Costs are reasonable and justified in the budget |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:27 PM | If participants produce goods through a TANF-funded workforce development program, may the program use TANF funds to purchase those goods at a reasonable value and distribute them to TANF-eligible families as part of the family stabilization strategy? | Yes TANF funds may be used to purchase goods produced by TANF-funded workforce participants and distribute them to TANF-eligible families. The following must apply: The goods were produced as part of an allowable workforce/training activity The distribution supports TANF purposes TANF funds are used only for TANF-eligible households The purchase is reasonable All required supportive services documentation is maintained The support is time limited and does not function as assistance |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:27 PM | Are there specific expenses HHS would consider unallowable for a project that combines workforce readiness, transitional employment, supportive services, family stabilization, and distribution of goods/products to TANF-eligible families? | Are there specific expenses HHS would consider unallowable for a project that combines workforce readiness, transitional employment, supportive services, family stabilization, and distribution of goods/products to TANF-eligible families? Yes, there are unallowable expenses such as: Ongoing basic needs support Services for non-eligible participants Undocumented or unrestricted payments Capital or Construction costs Duplicative PROMISE JOBS/IWD services Items that are not related to a TANF purpose Programs may combine workforce readiness, transitional employment, supportive services, family stabilization, and distribution of goods/products as long as: TANF funds support ONLY TANF-eligible households Costs are reasonable and documented Goods/services meet TANF purposes Supports are time limited Activities do not duplicate PROMISE JOBS/IWD services. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:28 PM | The draft score tool references organizational experience, service capacity, partnerships, personnel, work plan, measurable outcomes, and budget alignment. Are there particular documentation examples or forms of evidence HHS recommends applicants include to demonstrate strong service capacity and readiness? | Iowa HHS does not recommend specific documentation or evidence formats. Strong applications include concise, credible evidence embedded in the IowaGrants forms that demonstrate proven experience, strong partnerships, qualified personnel, clear implementation plans, measurable outcome targets, aligned and justified budgets, and organizational systems and readiness. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:28 PM | Are letters of support, partner commitments, or MOUs encouraged even if not required, particularly when partnerships support referrals, workforce experiences, employer engagement, family supports, or statewide/community reach? | Partnership letters and MOUs are not required, but encouraged as they could potentially strengthen your application and score. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:28 PM | For the work plan, should applicants propose all deliverable categories listed in the RFP, or is it acceptable to focus only on the deliverables most applicable to the proposed model? | You do not need to propose deliverables in all categories listed in the RFP. It is acceptable to include only the deliverables categories that align with your proposed program model. The proposed deliverables should match your scope of work, reflect what will actually be implemented, and can be measured realistically during the contract period. |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:29 PM | If a proposed model includes employer engagement, stigma reduction, or education for employers around hiring individuals in recovery or with barriers to employment, would those activities be considered allowable if tied to increasing employment opportunities for TANF-eligible participants? | Employer engagement, stigma reduction, and employer education are considered allowable if they align with following: Support workforce readiness or employment access for TANF-eligible participants Serve TANF purposes and the RFPs employment focused goals Time to measurable employment outcomes in your Work Plan Build employers capacity to hire people with barriers |
| Jun 3, 2026 12:29 PM | Are there specific expenses HHS would consider unallowable for a project that combines workforce readiness, transitional employment, supportive services, family stabilization, and distribution of goods/products to TANF-eligible families? | As long as the expense is tied to a TANF purpose, limited in duration, documented, and benefits TANF-eligible households, it can be an allowable expense. However, there are unallowable expenses such as: Ongoing basic needs assistance Services for non-TANF eligible participants Undocumented or unrestricted payments Administrative costs above allowed limits Capital or Construction costs Duplicative PROMISE JOBS/IWD services Items that are not related to a TANF purpose Prohibited items (alcohol, tobacco, gambling, luxury goods) Profit-sharing or unrestrictive income transfers |
| Jun 4, 2026 5:13 PM | Will preference be given to proposals that have a focus on all Iowans or will proposals that focus on a certain population (i.e. immigrants/refugees, etc.) be equally weighted? | Proposals serving specific TANF-eligible populations are evaluated equally and can be just as completive as a proposal focusing on all Iowans. |
| Jun 4, 2026 5:13 PM | If an organization proposes a service that is limited in geographic scope initially but is successful, when would the Agency expect that service area/geographic scope would be expanded upon? | Iowa HHS does not impose a specific timeline or expectation for expanding a geographically limited program. Programs may remain regional/local for the full contract period, and expansion is only expected if you propose it or if Iowa HHS and the contractor mutually agree during renewals. |