FY 2026 CN Technology Innovation Grant

Executive Summary Under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to supporting State innovation, developing and implementing modernized systems, and minimizing instances of fraud, waste, and program abuse. To advance these priorities, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is excited to announce the availability of $8.7 million to provide competitive grants to State agencies to strengthen the integrity of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Through the Technology Innovation Grant for CACFP Integrity (TIG-CACFP), as authorized under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4 ), States will have the opportunity to design and implement modernized information technology (IT) solutions that improve program operations, enhance accountability, and drive lasting improvements in CACFP integrity. Program Description FNA is investing grant funds to strengthen CACFP integrity and ensure that eligible children and adults who receive care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers receive the full benefit of the program. Recent high-profile fraud cases have demonstrated the urgent need for stronger safeguards to restore and maintain public confidence in CACFP. Although most program operators seek to comply with program rules in good faith, fraud—even when infrequent—undermines public confidence in government programs and jeopardizes their ability to serve the individuals who are in greatest need of assistance. Accordingly, FNA is committed to supporting State agency efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4 ) authorized funding for grants to States for the purposes of developing, implementing, and improving modernized information technology (IT) systems used to operate and manage the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). In previous years, Technology Innovation Grants (TIGs) have been provided on both a competitive and non-competitive basis. This competitive Request for Applications (RFA) is a new initiative specifically for modernizing systems that operate and manage CACFP to improve program integrity and accountability. State agency applicants should review the RFA thoroughly to ensure full understanding of the updated requirements and procedures. The TIG-CACFP will provide funds to CACFP State agencies for projects to develop, implement, and improve IT systems used to operate and manage CACFP. This grant opportunity is intended to encourage State agencies that administer CACFP to propose innovative technology solutions that improve program integrity, accountability, and efficiencies at both the State and local levels. Further, FNA encourages applicants to propose projects that will support implementation of the CACFP integrity strategies outlined in the February 11, 2026, letter titled Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) .  public link: https://www.fna.usda.gov/cacfp/state-integrity-letter Key strategies include: ·       Using the onboarding process to help prevent bad actors from participating in CACFP. ·       Training for institutions in program integrity. ·       Monitoring, investigating, and correcting issues to support effective management of institutions. ·       Using the serious deficiency and suspension process as required. ·       Reviewing reimbursement claims for signs of program abuse. State agencies administering the CACFP maintain automated systems at the State level that rely on operational data from the local levels including, but not limited to, program applications, eligibility certifications, verification, meal counting and claimi

Eligible Applicants:In FY 2026, 57 State agencies are administering CACFP and, therefore, are eligible to apply for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP. The term State agency means:1) the State educational agency; and 2) any other agency of the State which has been designated by the Governor or other appropriate executive or legislative authority of the State and approved by USDA to administer CACFP. In States with more than one State agency, the State agency operating CACFP may coordinate with another agency within their State that operates the CNPs, but the CACFP agency must be the primary. The CACFP agency will be responsible for submitting an application and meeting grant requirements, if awarded.Entities that do not meet the eligibility definition will be deemed ineligible and removed from competit