PHPA_3936_-FAQ__RHTP_RFA.pdf

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) - Official Q&A/FAQ

Solicitation Number: PHPA 3936/BPM056605 Date Issued: April 21, 2026

1. Introduction and Legal Disclaimer

The following responses are provided to clarify the requirements and scope of the above-referenced RFA.

Disclaimer: These Questions and Answers (Q&A) are hereby incorporated into and made part of the official RFA package. In the event of a conflict between the language of the original RFA and these responses, the information provided in this FAQ shall take precedence. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to monitor for and review all updates; failure to acknowledge these clarifications in your final submission may result in a proposal being deemed non-responsive.

2. Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

To ensure a transparent and fair process, the Procurement Officer is the sole point of contact for this procurement. All final or urgent inquiries must be directed to:

● Name/Title: Li’Chelle Lindsey, CMPO+GPS

● Email: Lichelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

● Final Inquiry Deadline: May 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST Local Time. Any questions received after this time will not be answered.

Responses to final inquiries, if any, will be posted as a final amendment by May 19, 2026. The proposal submission deadline remains unchanged at May 26, 2026.

3. Clarifications and Responses

ID # Category RFA Reference

(if any) Question Official Response

A-1 Administrative Section: RFA Key Information Summary Sheet, 1.3.1

Who is the Procurement Officer for this RFA?

The sole point of contact is Li’Chelle Lindsey, Procurement Officer for the Prevention and Health Promotion Administration.

The email address for submitting questions is LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov.

mailto:Lichelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov mailto:LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) -

A-2 Administrative Section: RFA Key Information Summary Sheet

What is the deadline for submitting the application?

The closing date and time for applications is May 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST Local Time.

A-3 Administrative Section: RFA Key Information

1.7.1

Where should I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted electronically through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).

A-4 Administrative Section: RFA Key Information

1.6.1, 1.6.2

What is the deadline for submitting questions regarding the RFA?

Questions are due by May 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST Local Time. Questions must be submitted in writing via email to the Procurement Officer.

A-5 Administrative Section: 2.1 What is required for an entity to be eligible for an award?

An Applicant must meet the following mandatory requirements:

● Eligible Entity Status: Must be a Social Organization

(non-profit/501(c)(3) tax-exempt) or a Government or Academic Entity (local or state government agencies, public colleges, or state universities).

● Tax-Exempt Status: Social Organization must provide a copy of their IRS tax-exempt status determination letter.

● Maryland State Standing: Must be in Good Standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) and Tax Compliant, as certified by the Maryland Comptroller’s Office.

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) -

A-6 Administrative Section: 4.3.1 What is the page limit for the Project Narrative (Volume I)?

The Project Narrative must be limited to 15 single-spaced pages, using 1-inch margins and 12-point Calibri or Times New Roman font. The following elements are excluded from this 15-page limit: the Transmittal Letter, the Abstract (which has a 3-page limit), the Logic Model, the Project Plan chart, and the Staffing Plan.

B-1 Budget Section: 1.1 Summary Statement

What is the total amount of funding available through this RFA?

The total amount of funding available through this RFA for RHTP Budget Period 1 is $73 million.

B-2 Budget Section: 1.1 Summary Statement, 1.1.2

What is the anticipated period of performance for the initial award?

The anticipated duration of services for Budget Period 1 is August 15, 2026-June 30, 2027. The State encourages applicants to develop their proposals as the first step in a multi-year initiative, though future funding is not guaranteed.

B-3 Budget Section: 1.2.1 What type of contract will be awarded?

The Agreements resulting from this solicitation shall be Cost Reimbursement Contracts.

B-4 Budget Section:

3.2.15.1

What is the cap on administrative and indirect costs?

Administrative costs, including indirect costs, are capped at 8.5% of the total project budget request.

B-5 Budget Section:

3.2.15.3

Are direct provider payments allowable costs?

Direct provider payments are allowable only if justified as to why they are not already reimbursable, how the payment will fill a gap in care coverage (such as uncompensated care), and/or how they transform the current care delivery model.

P-1 Programmatic Section: 1.1

Statement, 2.2, 3.2.6

What are the primary structures for project proposals?

Applicants can apply as a (1) Transformation Collaborative (a multi-partner group of three or more organizations with shared governance) or a (2) Sole Organization (an individual

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) -organization with an internal plan). The State will give preference to Transformation Collaboratives.

PS-1 Project Scope Section 1.1

Statement, 3.2.7

What are the Focus Areas for projects under this RFA?

The RFA solicits proposals for three Transformation Funds within the RHTP Pillar Two: Promote Sustainable Access and Innovative Care:

● Sustainable Access Through Service Expansion and Health Information Technology (HIT) Advances.

● Behavioral Health Service Expansion.

● Innovative Care.

Applicants can apply for a project specific to one Focus Area or for an integrated project that incorporates multiple Focus Areas.

PS-2 Project Scope Section: 3.2.2 Where must the project be implemented?

An Applicant’s project must serve a rural community, solely supporting Marylanders in one or more of the 18 State-designated rural counties. The designated counties include:

Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St.

Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester.

T-1 Technical Section 3.2.12.3 What is the mandatory technical requirement for data sharing with the state Health Information Exchange (HIE) CRISP?

The mandatory technical requirement is for HIPAA covered entities receiving RHTP funds to complete basic on-boarding requirements with the Statewide HIE, Chesapeake Regional Information Systems for our Patients (CRISP), by March 30, 2027.

The Basic On-Boarding Requirements for Connectivity include:

● Provider has fully executed a Participation Agreement, Notice of Privacy Practices, and Substance Abuse Attestation with CRISP.

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) -

● Provider has fully executed a laboratory data release form, or other laboratory feed agreement.

● Provider has completed CRISP HIE Administrator and provider training.

● Provider submits a new patient panel every 90 days, or sooner.

General Questions

Q-1 Focus Area: HIT Advances

Section: 3.2.8 Our organization is not yet connected to CRISP.

Does this disqualify us from the HIT Advances?

No. Current connectivity is not an explicit disqualifier, but your proposal must demonstrate the capability to integrate with CRISP and show expertise and experience in implementing health care technology products.

For HIPAA covered entities receiving RHTP funds, the mandatory requirement is to complete basic on-boarding requirements with the Statewide HIE, CRISP by March 30, 2027.

Note: Separate RHTP funding will be made available through an RHTP supported CRISP Rural Provider Connectivity and HIT Optimization Program to facilitate data sharing and data quality improvements.

Q-2 Collaborative Governance

Section: 2.2.3, 3.2.6

What constitutes a “Shared Decision-Making Structure” for a Transformation Collaborative?

A Transformation Collaborative must operate under a Shared Decision-Making Structure (e.g., a Steering Committee).

Within the proposal, the Collaborative is required to describe its Governance Structure. This description must detail the decision-making process for the Collaborative, including how it handles fiscal decisions, oversight, and the management of funding. The proposal must demonstrate how the Collaborative will function in a unified manner.

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) -

Q-3 N/A (General) Section: 2.1 Can a non-profit community partner be the Lead applicant if they don’t provide reimbursable services?

Yes, a non-profit community partner can be the Lead Applicant for a Transformation Collaborative. For clarity, the RFA states that the Primary Applicant (Lead Organization) must meet the Applicant Mandatory Requirements listed in Section 2.1.

The mandatory requirements for a Social Organization (which includes non-profit community partners) are:

● Must be a Social Organization (non-profit/501(c)(3) tax-exempt).

● Must provide a copy of their IRS tax-exempt status determination letter.

● Must be in Good Standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

● Must be Tax Compliant, as certified by the Maryland Comptroller’s Office.

The eligibility criteria do not require the Lead Applicant to directly provide reimbursable services, though the overall project must align with the RFA’s goals. Eligible participants in a Transformation Collaborative include community-based organizations and faith-based organizations.

Q-4 Staffing Section: 2.2.3 Can the Program Director and the Fiscal Director be the same person?

No, the Program Director and the Fiscal Director are two separate, required Core Staff positions that must be provided by the Lead Applicant in a Transformation Collaborative, or by the Sole Organization. The RFA does not explicitly state whether one individual may fill both roles, but the positions are defined as two distinct points of contact necessary for both programmatic and fiscal management of the project.

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) -

Q-5 Staffing & Licensure

Section 2.2.3 Is a current Maryland license required for staff providing telehealth services from another state?

Yes, under Health Occupations Article § 1-1005, any health care providers and clinical staff delivering services as part of the Transformation Collaborative or Sole Organization must be licensed to practice in Maryland if the services are provided to a patient located within the state.

Q-6 Staffing & Licensure

N/A (General) What interstate healthcare licensure compacts, which allow professionals to practice in the state, are recognized or enacted in Maryland?

The following compacts are active or have been enacted in Maryland:

● Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) (2017): Applies to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

● Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) (2018): Applies to Physicians (MDs and DOs).

● Interstate Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) (2019): Applies to Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs).

● Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) (2021): Applies to Licensed Psychologists.

● Other Enacted/Operational Compacts:

a. Audiology and Speech Language Pathology

Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) (2021)

b. Counseling Compact (2021): Applies to

Clinical Professional Counselors.

c. Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure

Compact (OT Compact) (2021)

d. Social Work Licensure Compact (2024)

Note on Residency: For nurses, the compact license is tied to their Primary State of Residence (determined by their federal tax return or driver’s license). If they move permanently to Maryland

Rural Health Transformation Program: Rooted and Resilient Sustainable Access, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation (SAICTI) -from another compact state, they must apply for a Maryland specific license.

Applicants should verify with the appropriate licensing board to confirm the current status of multistate privileges.

Q-7 Programmatic/Pro ject Scope

Section: 3.2.7.1, 3.2.8

Can we propose a hybrid remote/on-site staffing model?

Yes, a hybrid remote/on-site staffing model is generally allowable. The RFA encourages leveraging technology to bring health care directly to rural residents and lists establishing and operating “virtual care access points” as an example activity under the Sustainable Access Transformation Fund.

An applicant must detail this model in your Staffing Plan (Section 3.2.8), describing existing and planned resources to secure qualified staffing. It is mandatory that any health care providers and clinical staffing delivering services, whether remotely or on-site, must be licensed to practice in Maryland.

4. Submission Reminders

● Proposal Due Date: May 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST Local Time.

● Submission Method: Applications must be submitted to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), or the RFA email address

RFA.PHPA@maryland.gov.

● Acknowledgement: Please ensure this FAQ document is signed or referenced in your “Appendix/Forms” section to confirm receipt.

Authorized Signature Date