VA Form 10-10173: Veterans Grant Program Agreement Guide

VA Form 10-10173: Veterans Grant Program Agreement Guide – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers numerous grant programs designed to support Veterans, their families, and the organizations that serve them. One essential document in this process is VA Form 10-10173, officially known as the Veterans Grant Program Grant Agreement. This form serves as the formal legal instrument that outlines the terms, conditions, and responsibilities between the VA and grant recipients.

For nonprofit organizations, community providers, and entities participating in VA grant programs across the United States, understanding VA Form 10-10173 is critical. This SEO-optimized guide provides clear, up-to-date information based on official VA sources, federal regulations, and current grant management policies.

What Is VA Form 10-10173?

VA Form 10-10173 is the standardized Grant Agreement used under the Veterans Grant Program within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Dated final as of August 8, 2019, this form establishes a binding legal agreement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the selected grantee (recipient organization).

According to VA financial policy, a grant agreement is defined as a legal instrument of financial assistance between a Federal awarding agency and a non-Federal entity, consistent with 31 U.S.C. §§ 6302 and 6304. It differs from a cooperative agreement by the level of substantial involvement required by the Federal agency.

You can download the official PDF version of VA Form 10-10173 directly from the VA website here: Download VA Form 10-10173 (PDF).

Purpose of the Veterans Grant Program Grant Agreement

The primary purpose of VA Form 10-10173 is to formally document the award of grant funds and set clear expectations for how those funds must be used. Once executed by both the VA and the grantee, the agreement:

  • Obligates federal funds for the approved project or program
  • Defines the period of performance
  • Establishes reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements
  • Incorporates applicable federal regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards)
  • Protects both the VA and the recipient by clarifying allowable costs, performance goals, and remedies for non-compliance

This form is commonly used in VHA grant programs that support services for Veterans, such as those related to health, community care, or specialized assistance initiatives. It ensures accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars allocated to benefit America’s Veterans.

Key Sections and Terms in VA Form 10-10173

While the exact layout of the 2019 final version includes standard federal grant agreement elements, typical sections found in VA Grant Agreements (and reflected in current VA policy documents) include:

  • Parties to the Agreement – Identification of the VA awarding office and the recipient organization
  • Federal Award Information – Award amount, Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN), Assistance Listing Number, period of performance, and budget period
  • Purpose and Scope – Description of the approved project or activities funded by the grant
  • Terms and Conditions – General and specific conditions, including compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders
  • Payment and Financial Management – Method of payment, allowable costs, and financial reporting requirements (often including SF-425 Federal Financial Report)
  • Performance and Monitoring – Programmatic reporting, site visits, and evaluation criteria
  • Closeout and Post-Award Requirements – Final reports, residual funds, and record retention
  • Remedies for Non-Compliance – Provisions for recovery of funds, suspension, or termination if terms are not met

Current VA policy (Volume X – Grants Management) requires that all discretionary grant agreements use an approved template that includes mandatory language for consistency and compliance with 2 CFR § 200.211.

Who Needs to Complete VA Form 10-10173?

This form is not typically completed by individual Veterans applying for personal benefits. Instead, it is used by:

  • Nonprofit organizations awarded VA grants
  • State or local government entities receiving VA funding
  • Community-based providers selected through Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) published on Grants.gov
  • Institutions participating in specific VHA grant programs

After an application is approved, the VA drafts or issues the Grant Agreement (VA Form 10-10173 or equivalent template). Both parties must sign it before funds can be obligated and disbursed.

How the Grant Agreement Process Works?

Based on official VA grant management procedures, the typical process includes:

  1. Publication of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Grants.gov
  2. Submission and competitive review of applications
  3. Selection of awardees and notification
  4. Issuance of the Grant Agreement (VA Form 10-10173 or current approved template)
  5. Execution (signature) by authorized representatives of both the VA and the recipient
  6. Obligation of funds and start of the period of performance
  7. Ongoing monitoring, reporting, and eventual closeout

Recipients are strongly encouraged to retain a signed copy of the executed agreement in their official grant files for the required retention period.

Important Compliance Requirements

By signing VA Form 10-10173, the grantee agrees to comply with:

  • 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance)
  • Applicable VA regulations in Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations
  • Public policy requirements (e.g., nondiscrimination, drug-free workplace, lobbying restrictions)
  • Specific terms stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the award document
  • Accurate and timely financial and programmatic reporting

Failure to adhere to the terms can result in recovery of funds, withholding of payments, or ineligibility for future awards, as outlined in VA financial policy chapters on grants post-award management.

Where to Download VA Form 10-10173?

The official, current version of the form (Final 8-8-2019) is available for free download from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

Download VA Form 10-10173 – Veterans Grant Program Grant Agreement (PDF)

Always verify that you are using the most recent version by checking the official VA Forms website or contacting your VA Grant Program Office.

Additional Resources for Grant Recipients

Conclusion

VA Form 10-10173 plays a vital role in ensuring that federal grant funds intended to support Veterans are properly awarded, managed, and accounted for. Whether you are a first-time grant recipient or an experienced organization working with the VA, carefully reviewing and understanding this Grant Agreement protects your organization and helps deliver meaningful services to those who have served our country.

For the most accurate and current guidance, always refer to the official document and consult your VA program officer. Download the form today and stay compliant with federal requirements.