RFA 202606106 Q

This is a Questions and Answers document and Rural Health Transformation funding solicitation issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services for Community Paramedicine services in rural areas. The funding targets Maine EMS agencies serving HRSA-eligible rural zip codes, with priority consideration for applicants in Washington and Aroostook counties and preference for those operating in Lincoln County. Eligible applicants include all Maine EMS licensed agencies—both transporting and non-transporting services—which may collaborate regionally. The lead agency must obtain or maintain a Community Paramedicine license throughout the contract period. Applications are due August 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time, with questions due by August 4, 2026. The anticipated contract period runs from September 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Individual agencies may request up to $500,000 in funding, while regional groups may request up to $750,000 when including collaborative projects such as quality assurance, quality improvement, educational initiatives, or collaborative planning activities.

The Department anticipates $4,964,064 in total available funding across all awards for FY2026. Allowable uses of funds include prevention and chronic disease management, provider payments, consumer technology solutions, training and technical assistance, workforce recruitment and retention, information technology advances, behavioral health services, innovative care models, capital expenditures and infrastructure improvements, and provider collaboration between EMS agencies and mental health organizations for co-response models. Notably, there is no cited limit on capital expenditures. New construction is unallowable, and supplanting funding for in-process or planned construction projects is prohibited; however, renovations or alterations are permitted if clearly linked to program goals. Professional advancement such as continued medical education and support with licensure and clinical supervision in rural areas for clinical social workers, mental health professionals, nurses, and physicians are eligible uses. Non-allowable uses include pre-award costs, construction or new building expansion, lobbying, and certain meals and telecommunications equipment. The Department will evaluate applications on a 100-point scale weighted across Organization Qualifications and Experience (10 points), Rurality (20 points), Proposed Project (45 points), and Budget (25 points). Multiple awards are anticipated, and awarded applicants must provide quarterly updates, project deliverables, and case studies documenting lessons learned.