Response to Offeror Questions document.pdf

This is a Response to Offeror Questions document issued by the South Dakota Department of Health, Division of Healthcare Access, Office of Rural Health and Emergency Services, dated June 26, 2026, addressing inquiries related to RFP 26-09RHT-023 for the EMS Workforce, Infrastructure, and System Modernization Initiative under the Rural Health Transformation Project. The document contains responses to 24 questions submitted by potential offerors regarding the Enhancing Sustainable Emergency Medical Services Initiative. Proposals were originally due July 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT. The contract period runs from August 5, 2026 through July 31, 2027, with options to renew for three additional one-year increments at the State's discretion pending future funding availability. Technical assistance webinars were held on June 5 and June 12, 2026 at noon CT, and offeror questions were due by June 15, 2026, with this response document distributed on June 26, 2026 as promised.

Up to $8,000,000 in Federal Fiscal Year funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is available, representing 100 percent of project funding. Eligible applicants include South Dakota licensed ambulance services, Tribal governments and EMS agencies, hospitals and healthcare systems, public safety agencies and emergency communications centers, educational institutions, local governments, nonprofit organizations, healthcare technology vendors, and consultants with demonstrated EMS expertise. Projects must address one or more of four components: Workforce Development, Leadership, and EMS System Sustainability (3.1); Specialized Equipment and Technology Integration (3.2); Regional EMS Coordination, Shared Resources, and Integrated Dispatch Systems (3.3); and Clinical Quality Improvement and EMS Performance Oversight (3.4). Proposals must not exceed 50 pages, include SMART goals with measurable outcomes, and comprehensive sustainability plans demonstrating long-term viability beyond the grant period. Cost proposals must detail personnel costs with percentage of time allocated, travel and training expenses at state per diem rates, and other costs including software, hardware, maintenance, and licensing fees. The anticipated award decision date is August 5, 2026.