Tennessee Higher Education Commission - Veteran Initiatives Grant - 2026
Tennessee Higher Education Commission | State of TennesseeState · Nashville, TN- Due
- Apr 3, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Jan 26, 2026
- Contract term
- 2 years
- Primary contact
- Katie Staple
- (615) 812-1288
The 30-second brief
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is issuing a Request for Proposals for the Veteran Initiatives Grant program to expand mental health resources for currently designated VETS or VETS Bravo campuses. Eligible postsecondary institutions can apply for grants up to $150,000 for up to 24 months to support military-connected students focusing on quality of life, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Strategies may include contracting counselors, partnering with agencies, offering therapeutic services, or creating military-focused programs. Final proposals are due by April 3, 2026, following a mandatory Notice of Intent to Submit due by February 27, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated based on program narrative, demonstration of need, program plan, sustainability, budget plan, and optional partnership criteria.
Program Narrative (5 points), Demonstration of need (25 points), Program Plan (25 points), Sustainability (15 points), Budget Plan (15 points), Optional Criteria (Up to Fifteen Additional Points)
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Summary
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is issuing a Request for Proposals for the Veteran Initiatives Grant program to expand mental health resources for currently designated VETS or VETS Bravo campuses.
Eligible postsecondary institutions can apply for grants up to $150,000 for up to 24 months to support military-connected students focusing on quality of life, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Strategies may include contracting counselors, partnering with agencies, offering therapeutic services, or creating military-focused programs. Final proposals are due by April 3, 2026, following a mandatory Notice of Intent to Submit due by February 27, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated based on program narrative, demonstration of need, program plan, sustainability, budget plan, and optional partnership criteria.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
6- Cover Sheet
- Table of Contents
- One-page Abstract/Project Summary
- Program Proposal
- Budget with applicable line-item details
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Submit to
- https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/veteran_initiatives_grant_notice_of_intent
- Duration
- 24 months
- Scope location
- Nashville, TN
- Reported agency
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Tennessee Higher Education Commission | State of Tennessee?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is April 3, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/veteran_initiatives_grant_notice_of_intent. For questions, contact Katie Staple.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Tennessee Higher Education Commission | 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 Katie Staple at (615) 812-1288. 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 Narrative (5 points), Demonstration of need (25 points), Program Plan (25 points), Sustainability (15 points), Budget Plan (15 points), Optional Criteria (Up to Fifteen Additional Points)" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Tennessee Higher Education Commission | State of Tennessee?
All active and historical solicitations from Tennessee Higher Education Commission | State of Tennessee are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Tennessee Higher Education Commission | 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 2 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: Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, One-page Abstract/Project Summary, Program Proposal, Budget with applicable line-item details, Memorandum of Understanding. Review the full document from Tennessee Higher Education Commission | 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.