Resource10 min read
Grant Readiness Guide — 90 Days to a Winning Application
A phased playbook that walks an agency from opportunity discovery through submission-ready package in roughly 90 days.
For: Grant coordinators, program managers, and communications leads
Days 1–15: Discovery & Fit
Confirm which programs align with your project before investing writing time.
- Search grants.gov and your SAA calendar for open and forecasted NOFOs
- Match each NOFO's priority areas to your project scope
- Confirm eligibility (applicant type, jurisdiction, past-performance requirements)
- Register / renew SAM.gov and Grants.gov accounts
Days 15–45: Scoping & Technical Design
Turn a general modernization idea into a defensible project.
- Document the problem statement with data (coverage maps, AAR references)
- Draft a technical solution architecture
- Request budgetary quotes from vendors (ip³ can supply grant-friendly quotes)
- Identify partners and secure letters of support
Days 45–75: Narrative & Budget
Convert design into narrative aligned with the NOFO scoring rubric.
- Write the problem, project description, and performance measures
- Complete SF-424 family and program-specific budget forms
- Build the budget worksheet at the unit-cost level (device / gateway / license)
- Draft the sustainability and match plans
Days 75–90: Review & Submit
Reviews catch scoring gaps that cost points.
- Peer review against the published scoring rubric
- Confirm all attachments (quotes, MOUs, resolutions) are current
- Submit at least 48 hours before deadline to allow for portal issues
- Save a full copy of the submission and confirmation for post-award compliance
Talk to a grant specialist about your target NOFO.
Our grant specialists can adapt this content to your specific NOFO and agency.