Key Dates: March 15, 2019, first award cycle deadline date; August 15, 2019, last award cycle deadline date; September 15, 2019, last award cycle deadline date for supplemental loan repayment program funds; September 30, 2019, entry on duty deadline date.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Indian Health Service (IHS) estimated budget for fiscal year (FY) 2019 includes $27,500,000 for the IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) for health professional educational loans (undergraduate and graduate) in return for full-time clinical service as defined in the IHS LRP policy at ihs.gov/​loanrepayment/​policiesandprocedures in Indian health programs.

This notice is being published early to coincide with the recruitment activity of the IHS which competes with other Government and private health management organizations to employ qualified health professionals.

This program is authorized by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Section 108, codified at 25 U.S.C. 1616a.

II. Award Information

The estimated amount available is approximately $17,750,000 to support approximately 384 competing awards averaging $46,205 per award for a two-year contract. The estimated amount available is approximately $9,750,000 to support approximately 392 competing awards averaging $24,840 per award for a one-year extension. One-year contract extensions will receive priority consideration in any award cycle. Applicants selected for participation in the FY 2019 program cycle will be expected to begin their service period no later than September 30, 2019.