Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging - Tennessee Believes Program Grant Applications - FY 2026
State of TennesseeState Government · Nashville, TN- Due
- Feb 13, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Jan 5, 2026
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Primary contact
- Angella Broussard-Chrisman
- (865) 594-9371
The 30-second brief
The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging is seeking grant applications for the administration of Tennessee Believes funds for FY 2027, with potential extension through FY 2028 and FY 2029. The program's primary focus is supporting inclusive higher education programs designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) attending higher education schools, colleges, or universities within Tennessee. Grants will be awarded to public and private institutions, prioritizing community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools. The maximum contract term is up to 3 years. Applications are due by February 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CST, and must be submitted digitally via email to Angella Broussard-Chrisman. Evaluation criteria include Program Overview (10 pts), Experience of Higher Education Institution (20 pts), Plan of Operation (25 pts), Inclusion and Community (25 pts), Identification of Need (10 pts), and Budget, Financial Accountability, and Sustainability Plans (10 pts).
Program Overview (10pts), Experience of Higher Education Institution (20pts), Plan of Operation (25pts), Inclusion and Community (25pts), Identification of Need (10pts), Budget, Financial Accountability, and Sustainability Plans (10pts)
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Summary
The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging is seeking grant applications for the administration of Tennessee Believes funds for FY 2027, with potential extension through FY 2028 and FY 2029.
The program's primary focus is supporting inclusive higher education programs designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) attending higher education schools, colleges, or universities within Tennessee. Grants will be awarded to public and private institutions, prioritizing community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools. The maximum contract term is up to 3 years. Applications are due by February 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CST, and must be submitted digitally via email to Angella Broussard-Chrisman. Evaluation criteria include Program Overview (10 pts), Experience of Higher Education Institution (20 pts), Plan of Operation (25 pts), Inclusion and Community (25 pts), Identification of Need (10 pts), and Budget, Financial Accountability, and Sustainability Plans (10 pts).
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
11- Grant Application
- Program Application Form
- Program Overview
- Experience of Higher Education Institution
- Plan of Operation
- Inclusion and Community
- Identification of Need
- Budget
- Financial Accountability
- Sustainability Plans
- Draft Grant Budget
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Scope location
- Nashville, TN
- Reported agency
- Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from State of Tennessee?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is February 13, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Angella Broussard-Chrisman.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including State of Tennessee in TN, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Angella Broussard-Chrisman at (865) 594-9371. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Program Overview (10pts), Experience of Higher Education Institution (20pts), Plan of Operation (25pts), Inclusion and Community (25pts), Identification of Need (10pts), Budget, Financial Accountabili..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from State of Tennessee?
All active and historical solicitations from State of Tennessee are tracked and searchable. As a state government agency, State of Tennessee regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Grant Application, Program Application Form, Program Overview, Experience of Higher Education Institution, Plan of Operation, Inclusion and Community, Identification of Need, Budget, Financial Account. Review the full document from State of Tennessee for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Nashville, TN. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.