The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, is offering funding through the AHRQ Small Research Grant Program (R03) to support small research projects aimed at advancing the science of primary care. This initiative seeks to generate evidence that enhances the quality, accessibility, and affordability of primary care in the United States. The funding will support a variety of research activities, including pilot and feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, the development of research methodologies, and innovations in research technology. The program's overarching goal is to improve primary care by delivering person-centered care that enhances patient outcomes and population health.

The grant is designed to support research projects that explore and expand the role and capacity of primary care in increasing the value of healthcare. Priority research areas include improving access, affordability, workforce development, care delivery models, financing, digital healthcare, and health equity. Special emphasis is placed on studies related to care coordination, the integration of behavioral health into primary care, the impact of financing models, and the role of primary care in responding to public health emergencies such as pandemics and natural disasters. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate health equity considerations and focus on disadvantaged populations, particularly those with multiple chronic conditions.

Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, regional organizations, and other community-based entities. For-profit organizations and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply but may participate as consortium members or subcontractors. Applicants must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov before submitting their application.

The total award budget for each project is capped at $100,000, inclusive of direct and indirect costs, and the project period cannot exceed two years. Funds may only be used for project-related expenses in compliance with applicable federal cost principles and administrative requirements. AHRQ anticipates making multiple awards, contingent upon available funding and the merit of submitted applications. There are no cost-sharing requirements, though applicants are encouraged to demonstrate institutional support through resource contributions.

The application process follows standard AHRQ procedures and requires adherence to the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Letters of intent are recommended but not required and should be submitted 30 days before the application due date. Standard due dates apply, with applications due by 5:00 PM local time on designated deadlines. The scientific merit review typically occurs four months after submission, with the earliest start date being approximately four months after peer review.

Applicants must propose research that aligns with AHRQ’s mission and objectives, with an emphasis on producing actionable insights to improve healthcare delivery. Peer reviewers will assess applications based on criteria such as significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, research environment, and responsiveness to the funding announcement. Successful applicants will be required to submit annual and final performance reports detailing progress toward advancing the science of primary care. Additional reporting requirements include financial expenditure reports and adherence to public access and data management policies.