General · Fundamentals · 4 min read
RHTP glossary: key terms explained
Key RHTP terms include NOFO (the Notice of Funding Opportunity that opened applications), COAG (the cooperative-agreement award type), allowable uses (the categories funds must support), sub-recipient (the providers and partners states fund), and the transformation plan (each state's strategy). Understanding them makes state solicitations far easier to navigate.
Core terms
The vocabulary you'll see most often:
- NOFO: Notice of Funding Opportunity; CMS's call for state applications
- COAG: Cooperative agreement; the award type requiring CMS involvement
- Allowable uses: the categories funds must support (three or more)
- Sub-recipient: a provider or partner funded by a state
- Transformation plan: a state's RHTP strategy and use-of-funds approach
Why the vocabulary matters
Each state's solicitations reuse this federal vocabulary. Knowing that you participate as a sub-recipient (not a direct grantee), that the award is a cooperative agreement (so reporting is rigorous), and that funds must span three allowable-use categories tells you how to position a proposal before you read a single RFA.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between a grant and a COAG?
- A grant is largely hands-off; a cooperative agreement keeps the funder substantially involved throughout.
Figures reflect the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program NOFO and the December 2025 award announcement. RHTP Tracker is an independent resource by Moodr Health and is not affiliated with CMS.