3rd Updated Response to Offeror Questions document.doc

Department Of Health, Division of Family & Community Health

RFP No. 26-09RHT-007 State of South Dakota 600 East Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501 605-773-4476

Rural Health Forward Date: March 30, 2026 Subject: Questions and Answers for RFP No. 26-09RHT-007 In accordance with the subject Request for Proposal (RFP), the following are answers to questions which have been submitted prior to March 27, 2026. These questions are for informational purposes only; they do not alter the requirements specified within the RFP. Any changes to the RFP will be accomplished by the Office of Procurement Management through the use of an addendum.

1. Question: What is the indirect cost rate?

Answer: It is the indirect cost rate of the organization.

2. Question: Under Section 2.7, it says “While performing services under this Agreement, the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an officer, agent, or employee of the State of South Dakota,” would this mean USD or SDSU is not eligible to apply? The language in the Central Bid Exchange of ‘invitation only’ also made me pause.

Answer: Yes, SDSU and USD are eligible to apply. The clause in the RFP is just indicating that they will not become a state employee. If selected as the winning proposal, there would be a contractual relationship established to carry out the work.

3. Question: Whether “Year 1” performance targets are expected to be achieved by the end of Budget Period 1 (October 30, 2026), or whether Year 1 is defined as the first 12 months following contract execution or go-live date?

Answer: This will be tied to budget period 1. The first year of funding must be obligated this year and expended by 09/30/2027.

4. Question: Whether Gate 0 (Statewide Needs Assessment) must be fully completed and approved prior to development of the initial 10 CE courses, or whether preliminary curriculum development may occur in parallel with the needs assessment process, such that we create 10 courses that are known needs and then (after Gate 0 approval) develop additional based on needs identified in the assessment process?

Answer: Working in parallel would be allowed under the assumption that all parties agree before moving forward with the 10 courses.

5. Question: Additional question on the RFP 3.4 ‘Content Development, Partnerships, and Credentialing’ section’. The goal of demonstrating a ≥25% increase in continuing education completions compared to baseline, we were curious about how “baseline” is defined. For example, would it be the time period of engagement of ≥50 healthcare professionals during the planning phase, or the end of year 1 (training of ≥200 healthcare professionals)?

Answer: Baseline will be established as part of the statewide needs assessment that needs to be completed at Stage Gate 0.

6. Question: Can the State clarify whether the contractor is expected to assess training needs and develop recommended curriculum, or if there are predefined curriculum areas the training hub should align to?

Answer: The selected contractor is expected to conduct a statewide needs assessment and based on those findings, develop a recommended curriculum and delivery plan.

7. Question: If specific curriculum areas are expected, can the State provide additional detail on priority topics, frameworks, or required content areas?

Answer: The selected contractor is expected to conduct a statewide needs assessment and based on those findings, develop a recommended curriculum and delivery plan.

8. Question: Can the State clarify whether partnering with a South Dakota-based organization is a formal requirement or a preference?

Answer: Preference.

9. Question: Can the State clarify whether the training hub is expected to be a fully custom-built platform or a configuration of an existing learning management system?

Answer: The contractor should recommend the approach they believe best meets the project’s needs, goals, and long-term sustainability considerations.

10. Question: Can the State clarify the expected scope and duration of ongoing maintenance and support for the training hub following implementation?

Answer: The State expects the vendor to propose a long-term sustainability plan, including ongoing maintenance and support after RHT concludes.

11. Question: Will DOH accept a proposal focused on procedure-based training, professional skill development, and mentorship?

Answer: DOH is interested in all proposals. We strongly encourage you to propose creative and innovative solutions, including hands‑on, procedure‑oriented training, simulation, and mentorship style training. Your proposal and training methods should clearly align with the needs identified in the needs assessment that is completed at Stage Gate 0. We would also like to see the incorporation of some type of learning management platform. This could be an existing system, a combination of existing platforms or training courses organized into a centralized, easily accessible hub, or creating something entirely new.