Skip to main content
The Addiction Treatment Resource Center (ATRC)
Icon of a house that links to the Addiction Treatment Resource Center (ATRC) home page

SOR 4.0 Grant Year 3 Tier Award Program (TAP) Tier 4.B Solicitation

DSAMH State Opioid Response ​4​.0 Grant Year 3
Tier Award Program​ (TAP)​
Tier 4.B for Treatment Providers 

Released: ​May 5, 2026​ 

​​Contents

Overview …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1
What is TAP? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Project Requirements (Tier 4.B – Treatment Providers) ………………………………………………………….. 2
Who Can Apply? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
How to Apply ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Estimated Timeline (Subject to Change) ………………………………………………………………………………… 3
How Applications Will Be Scored …………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Funding Details ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Data Collection Requirements ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Solicitation and Implementation Technical Assistance …………………………………………………………….. 5
Major SAMHSA Requirements and Funding Prohibitions ……………………………………………………….. 5
Example of EBPs and their Complexity Levels for Applicant Consideration ………………………………. 8

Overview 

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is offering this funding opportunity through the State Opioid Response ​4​.0 (SOR ​4​) grant to support implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for individuals at risk for, or experiencing, opioid use disorder (OUD) and/or stimulant use disorder (STUD). This opportunity is part of DSAMH’s Tier Award Program, which aims to expand access to care, improve treatment engagement, and enhance care transitions across Delaware. Projects should align with one of the following three goals: 

  • Increase access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) 
  • Increase engagement in treatment 
  • Improve care transitions 

DSAMH’s SOR 4 grant, funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), supports programs across the state to improve the system of care for all Delawareans with, or at risk for, OUD/STUD while also prioritizing efforts to key populations 

  • Pregnant and parenting people 
  • Veterans 
  • People living in high-need zip codes (including rural communities) 
  • People involved in the justice system 
  • School-aged youth 

All applicants must demonstrate how their proposed project aligns with one of the core TAP goals and targets at least one of these priority groups.  

What is TAP? 

The Tier Award Program (TAP) is an initiative from DSAMH to provide short-term categorical funding opportunities (tiers) to partners across the state to assist in responding to the opioid/overdose epidemic. TAP began in 2021 and has continued to evolve with each year of SOR funding to help more people in Delaware who have, or are at risk for, opioid use or stimulant use disorders (OUD/STUD). 

This funding opportunity is for TAP Tier 4.B projects under SOR 4 Year 3, for treatment providers: 

  • Tier 4.B:  
  • Projects that implement new EBPs or promising practices for OUD/STUD clients.  
  • Projects that implement tailored EBPs or promising practices for OUD/STUD (specialized programming) to improve outcomes for a specific special population (pregnant and parenting people, veterans, people living in high need zip codes including rural communities, people involved in the justice system, and school aged youth).  
     

All applications must be submitted by the deadline listed in the timeline below. Selected projects are expected to begin in October 2026 and will end on September 29, 2027. Funding for TAP depends on final approval and appropriation of funds from the federal government. All selected projects are contingent on federal funding availability. 

Project Requirements (Tier 4.B – Treatment Providers) 

Funded projects must align with one of three TAP goals and a project design (described in the corresponding application form): 

  • Increase access to MOUD 
  • Increase engagement in treatment 
  • Improve care transitions 

Tier 4.B: All awarded Tier 4.B projects must implement new EBPs or promising practices for individuals with OUD/STUD to improve general access or engagement or develop tailored services using EBPs or innovations to meet the unique needs of a specific subpopulation (pregnant and parenting people, people living in high need zip codes including rural communities, people involved in the justice system, and school aged youth. Projects must: 

  • Comply with DSAMH licensing and credentialing 
  • Identify and apply a new EBP or tailored innovation aligned with the client population 
  • Clearly identify and justify the target sub-population, if tailored EBP/program, and design new specialized services or tailored EBPs to meet their unique needs 
  • Outline staff and staff development to support implementation 
  • Monitor fidelity and outcomes using data (e.g., measurement-based care) 
  • Distribute naloxone and provide overdose education 
  • Offer HIV and hepatitis testing/referral/vaccination as appropriate 
  • Address SDOH barriers and/or expand service availability 
  • Participate in technical assistance and learning networks 
  • Submit timely performance data 
  • Undergo fidelity monitoring by DSAMH 
  • Comply with SAMHSA Requirements, Federal Executive Orders, and Funding Prohibitions, including follow all SAMHSA/HHS grant requirements, funding restrictions, and applicable federal Executive Orders, including requirements related to federal civil rights and anti-discrimination laws, DEI-related restrictions, and SAMHSA guidance on allowable and unallowable expenses. Key highlights are included in the SAMHSA Requirements and Funding Prohibitions section. 

Note: Outreach/marketing-only proposals do not meet the criteria for this Tier. 

Who Can Apply? 

Eligible applicants include: 

  • Licensed or credentialed mental health and/or substance use treatment providers with at least two years of experience delivering relevant services.  
  • Outpatient medical providers (e.g. primary care, women’s health, infectious disease, outpatient psychiatry, dental, physical and occupational therapy) that serve individuals with or at risk for OUD/STUD. 
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers and accountable and managed care organizations working with impacted populations. 
  • Organizations must be in good standing with the State of Delaware, with no outstanding compliance issues, including but not limited to unresolved audit findings, failure to return unspent funds from prior awards, or other violations of state requirements. 

Applications may be submitted by individual providers or partnerships. If applying as a partnership, a lead organization must be identified to manage the official state agreement, funding, compliance, and data reporting. The lead organization must hold the business license, UEI, and Certificate of Insurance. If any partners also submit separate applications, each project must serve different populations and include clearly distinct services. 

Licensure considerations: 

  • Projects under Tier ​4​.B for Treatment Providers likely require DSAMH licensure.  

How to Apply 

Applications are due by no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Incomplete applications may be denied. Any questions and final applications should be submitted by email to DSAMH.ORT@Delaware.gov. Approved projects are anticipated to begin in October 2026. 

Applicants must: 

  • Identify the selected TAP goal (listed in the overview above) 
  • Complete and submit the application form, implementation plan, budget, and all required attachments (including the certificate of liability insurance, business license or 501(c)3 verification, SAM.gov UEI screenshot, and letters of support from partners, if applicable) 

Estimated Timeline (Subject to Change)   

  • Solicitation Release: May 5, 2026  
  • Informational Webinar: May 20, 2026, 11:00am-12:30pm  
  • Application Deadline: June 3, 2026  
  • Application Review: June-July 2026  
  • Award Selections: July 2026 (earliest)  
  • Agreements Finalized: August-September 2026  
  • Projects Start: October 1, 2026  
  • Projects End: September 29, 2027 

How Applications Will Be Scored 

As funding for TAP is limited, applications will move through 4 stages of review and scoring:  

  1. All applications will go through an initial eligibility and completeness review.  
  1. Eligible and complete applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel of DSAMH program staff in the following categories:  
  1. Budget and Financial Compliance (35%)  
  1. Programmatic Design and Feasibility (40%)  
  1. Compliance and Past Performance (25%)  
  1. Applications scoring in the top 50% will then automatically move to a review and scoring by a panel of external subject matter experts (SMEs) in the following categories:  
  1. Project Proposal and Alignment (40%)  
  1. Data Collection and Evaluation (20%)  
  1. Implementation Plan and Feasibility (25%)  
  1. Budget and Fiscal Responsibility (15%)  
  1. Applications scoring in the top 50% of the SME panel review will automatically move on to the selection stage. Applicants will be given ONE opportunity to provide correction or clarification after both panel reviews, and before the selection of awards by DSAMH.  

  

NOTE: DSAMH may return to applications held in Stage 2 or 3 (under the 50% scoring thresholds), in later rounds of selection, if funding remains for additional awards and minor revisions would allow an application to proceed.  

Funding Details 

Tier 4.B – Treatment Provider projects may request up to a maximum amount of $300,000. Award amounts will vary based on factors such as the number of unduplicated clients served and the project’s anticipated impact on outcomes.  

Key funding details: 

  • Budgets must align with the project’s scope, staffing levels, and proposed activities. 
  • DSAMH may reduce funding amounts based on project design, feasibility, or cost justification. 
  • Staffing requests (new and existing proportional share) must be reasonable and justifiable based on scope, project design, and already billable services 
  • An initial disbursement (equal to three months of the approved budget) will be provided to support project implementation. 
  • Remaining funds will be disbursed through monthly invoicing (cost reimbursement) based on documented expenses and compliance with reporting requirements. 

Data Collection Requirements 

Awarded projects must participate in DSAMH’s Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework, which focuses on three key questions:  

  • How much did we do?   
  • How well did we do it? 
  • Is anyone better off? 

Projects will report RBA data monthly via the online survey tool provided by DSAMH. See the application form for more details. 

In addition, if the project includes treatment or recovery support services, the provider must administer the intake (baseline), follow-up (six months), annual (each full year from baseline if enrolled) and discharge SUPRT client outcomes measurement tools, achieving a 100% follow-up (six-months) and annual interview expectation is currently set forth by SAMHSA for clients while enrolled in the SOR funded program. This is a federally mandated ​requirement,​ and client-level incentives are available to support client engagement in follow-up SUPRT surveys. DSAMH will determine which projects will require SUPRT data collection and confirm SUPRT-related client targets prior to award. Subrecipient non-compliance in this area will result in corrective action, up to and including termination of award. 

Solicitation and Implementation Technical Assistance 

Solicitation Support Available: 

  • Join the Informational Webinar on May 20, 2026, 11:00 – 12:30pm.  
  • Attend a “Meet the Funders” session at the SOR Conference May 12-13, 2026 
  • Access the TAP Frequently Asked Questions document on the ATRC website 
  • Explore grant writing tools, including training modules, slide decks, and a workbook (search “Grant Writing” in the ATRC Resource Library). See: https://atrc.dhss.delaware.gov 

Implementation Technical Assistance:  

Awarded projects will receive both mandatory and optional support, including:  

  • Required monthly check-in meetings with DSAMH Program Integrity Specialist 
  • Required Quarterly TAP subrecipient meetings for program updates, peer exchange, networking, and implementation support.  
  • Required Assigned Learning Network series (ECHO-style cohorts) 
  • Free In-person events and training, including DSAMH conferences 
  • Optional coaching, including support from the Opioid Response Network, Health Management Associates, Bowling Business Strategies, and ATRC resource materials 
  • Individual technical assistance, as needed or assigned by DSAMH, to ensure compliance and progress toward goals.  

Note: At least one project team member must attend each mandatory session. 

Major SAMHSA Requirements and Funding Prohibitions 

This project is supported by SAMHSA’s State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). This funding is subject, but not limited to, the following: 

  • Funding cannot be used to supplant existing operational expenses or funding mechanisms. However, proportional shares on existing staff time or other costs may be requested for new programming.  
  • TAP applications cannot include ASAM Levels of Care, Recovery Residences, and Integrated Recovery Housing projects as they are currently funded through other procurement and funding opportunities.  
  • Projects must provide testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g., syphilis) as clinically indicated, and warm handoff referrals to appropriate treatment to those testing positive, and vaccination for hepatitis A and B directly or through referral as indicated. Where the individual has not already received the recommended vaccinations below, provide and/or refer to vaccination services. Recommended vaccinations include, but are not limited to: 
  • Hepatitis A 
  • Hepatitis B 
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (for those up to age 26) 
  • Meningococcal 
  • Pneumococcal (pneumonia) 
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (TDaP) 
  • Zoster (shingles) (for those ages 18 and older)  
  • Funds may not be expended through the grant or a subaward by any agency which would deny any eligible client, patient, or individual access to their program because of their use of FDA-approved medications for the treatment of substance use disorders.  
  • Specifically, patients must be allowed to participate in methadone treatment rendered in accordance with current federal and state methadone dispensing regulations from an Opioid Treatment Program and ordered by a physician who has evaluated the client and determined that methadone is an appropriate medication treatment for the individual’s opioid use disorder.  
  • Similarly, medications available by prescription or office-based implantation must be permitted if it is appropriately authorized through prescription by a licensed prescriber or provider.  
  • In all cases, MOUD must be permitted to be continued for as long as the prescriber or treatment provider determines that the medication is clinically beneficial.  
  • Recipients must assure that clients will not be compelled to no longer use MOUD as part of the conditions of any programming if stopping is inconsistent with a licensed prescriber’s recommendation or valid prescription. 
  • Medically managed withdrawal management programs must include MOUD. 
  • Projects providing treatment and/or recovery services to persons with OUD must make MOUD available to them either directly or through referral. 
  • Funds may not be used to purchase, prescribe, or provide marijuana or treatment using marijuana. See, e.g., 45 C.F.R. 75.300(a) (requiring HHS to ensure that Federal funding is expended in full accordance with U.S. statutory and public policy requirements); 21 U.S.C. 812(c)(10) and 841 (prohibiting the possession, manufacture, sale, purchase, or distribution of marijuana). 
  • Funds cannot be used to provide residential or outpatient treatment services when the facility has not yet been acquired, sited, approved, and met all requirements for human habitation and services provision. 
  • Funds cannot be used to purchase Naloxone/Narcan, as it is provided by DSAMH at no cost to all partner agencies/ providers. 
  • Funds cannot be used to provide direct payments to individuals to enter treatment or continue to participate in prevention or treatment services. 
  • For programs including contingency management as a component of the treatment program, clients may not receive contingencies totaling more than $400.00 per budget period. The contingency amounts are subject to change. 
  • For SUPRT follow up, Tier 4.B and 4.C projects, $30 non-cash client incentives can be provided for conducted follow-up and discharge SUPRTs; such costs should not be included in project budgets as DSAMH will provide gift cards directly to projects as appropriate. 
  • Funds can be used as entrance fees to a training but not as an incentive or for staff time to participate in such trainings. DSAMH will utilize a technical assistance triage process to ensure that no-cost, federally funded technical assistance resources (e.g., Opioid Response Network, Technology Transfer Centers, etc.) are prioritized over direct funding via TAP. 
  • Funds cannot be used for promotional items, including but not limited to, clothing and commemorative items such as pens, mugs/cups, folders, lanyards, and conference bags. 
  • Funds cannot be used to purchase food or meals. 
  • Funds cannot be used to purchase sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug. 
  • Funding cannot be used to purchase or distribute fentanyl test strips or any other substance test kits, including xylazine and medetomidine test strips, intended for use by people using drugs.   
  • Project budgets cannot exceed a 15% indirect cost rate, regardless of federally negotiated rates.  
  • Federal Executive Orders and Related SAMHSA Guidance: Recipients/subrecipients must comply with all applicable federal Executive Orders and associated federal guidance, including but not limited to those related to federal civil rights and anti-discrimination requirements, restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related activities, federal grantmaking oversight, and allowable and unallowable expenses. These include, but are not limited to: 
  • Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing 
  • Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity 
  • Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking 
  • Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets 
  • SAMHSA Dear Colleague Letter (harm reduction-related funding guidance) 
  • SAMHSA Dear Colleague Letter (MOUD) 

Please contact DSAMH.ORT@Delaware.gov if you have any questions. 

Example of EBPs and their Complexity Levels for Applicant Consideration   
Complexity Level EBP Typical Time to Initial Implementation and Stable Fidelity Fidelity Tool or Monitoring Approach Key Questions for Providers Considering This EBP 
Lower Motivational Interviewing (MI) / Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) Initial use within 1–3 months; stable fidelity typically achieved in 4–6 months with regular supervision MITI Do we have staff with baseline MI skills or capacity to train within 3–6 months? Can we provide ongoing coaching and supervision? Who will review MITI scores and provide feedback to staff? 
Lower Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) / Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) 6–12 months with regular supervision and case review Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale or TF-CBT fidelity tools Do we have clinicians able to carry structured sessions and homework? Can supervisors provide model-specific supervision? How will fidelity be assessed and reinforced over time? 
Lower Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) 3–6 months for routine use; ongoing refinement expected ORS / SRS Can feedback tools be integrated into sessions and documentation workflows? Who reviews outcome and session feedback? How are results used in supervision and quality improvement? 
Moderate Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) 6–12 months TSF ACES Can we support structured groups and ensure consistency across facilitators? How does TSF align with existing treatment philosophy and referral pathways? Who monitors model adherence? 
Moderate Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) 6–12 months FACIT or role-specific competency tools Are peer roles clearly defined and aligned with certification requirements?  How are peers supervised and supported? How are peer activities documented and evaluated? 
Moderate Case Management 6–12 months No standardized fidelity tool; agency-defined standards Are workflows, caseloads, and role expectations clearly defined? How will consistency and quality be monitored without a standardized tool? 
Moderate Intensive Case Management (ICM) 6–12 months ACT-informed fidelity indicators Do we have staffing ratios to support intensive work?  Can supervision reinforce proactive outreach and coordination? How will intensity and quality be tracked? 
Moderate Critical Time Intervention (CTI) 6–12 months for partial implementation; longer for full fidelity CTI Fidelity Scale Can we support time-limited, phase-based transitions? Are supervisors trained in CTI?  What components can realistically be implemented and demonstrated within 12 months? 
Moderate Digital Therapeutics 6–12 months assuming an existing vendor or platform Dashboards and utilization metrics Do we have the technology, data sharing agreements, and staff workflows in place?  Who monitors engagement and outcomes? How is digital care integrated into treatment planning? 
Higher MOUD Programs 6–12 months for enhancement of existing programs; 12–24 months for new programs Clinical and regulatory standards Are we enhancing an existing program or launching a new one?  Do we have prescribers and workflows in place?  What milestones are achievable within 12 months? 
Higher Low-Threshold MOUD 6–12 months to initiate; longer to stabilize Protocol-based monitoring Can we support same-day or rapid access workflows? Are staffing and medication access realistic? How will quality and consistency be monitored? 
Higher Matrix Model 6–12 months for partial implementation; longer for full model Matrix manuals and tools Can we support structured groups and clinical roles?  Which components will be implemented first?  How will fidelity be monitored during scale-up? 
Higher Integrated Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment (ICDT) 12–24 months ICDT Fidelity Scale Do we have a multidisciplinary team and shared treatment approach? Which core components can be established within 12 months? How will progress be measured? 
Highest Contingency Management (CM) 6–12 months to implement; 12–24 months to stabilize SAMHSA CM guidance and tracking tools Do we have systems for incentive tracking and compliance? Is there clear ownership of CM processes? What level of implementation is realistic within 12 months?