STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Rural Health Transformation

South Dakota Department of Health | 600 East Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Rural BH Modernization (CCBHC) Infrastructure and Sustainability Grant:

Development and Expansion of CCBHC Core Service Areas

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 5pm CDT on July 15, 2026

RFA: 26-08RHT-016 State POC: Kirsten Blachford EMAIL: Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us

READ CAREFULLY

FIRM NAME: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

ADDRESS: TYPE OR PRINT NAME:

CITY/STATE: TELEPHONE NO:

ZIP (9 DIGIT): FAX NO:

E-MAIL:

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE NO:

FAX NO: E-MAIL:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Initiative is a statewide effort focused on strengthening rural healthcare systems and improving access to quality care across South Dakota. Through strategic investments, innovative care models, and cross-agency collaboration, RHT is designed to build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable rural health system for communities across the state.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health via the Department of Health is requesting applications to support transformational behavioral health system improvements, including development, expansion, or sustainability planning for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model of care. Eligible applicants for this RFA are limited to the organizations that applied for and were selected to participate in the 2026 CCBHC Planning Grant Cohort.

Applicants should describe how their proposed activities and investments will support the organization's efforts to meet SAMHSA's CCBHC criteria across direct service provision, care coordination, and infrastructure. They should also explain how their work will improve access, service quality, integration, workforce capacity, and readiness for Medicaid-aligned financing

— with particular attention to rural communities. Funds may be requested to support activities across any or all core CCBHC service areas. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to make timely progress, spend funds within required periods, and sustain services beyond the award period.

The RHT Scope of Work Domains supported through this RFA include:

• Provider Capacity Building: Activities that enable providers to meet CCBHC standards (e.g., same‑day access, case management, peer support, integrated screening).

• Crisis Services Expansion: Establishment or enhancement of mobile crisis teams and/or crisis stabilization services; activities ensuring access to 24/7/365 crisis care across the proposed CCBHC service area.

• IT Infrastructure Development: Upgrades required to meet CCBHC data and outcome reporting standards, including real‑time monitoring, streamlined payment processes, and interoperability between the provider’s EHR and the required state reporting systems.

• Workforce Development: Recruitment and retention strategies; training programs for licensed professionals and paraprofessionals (e.g., peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators).

All proposed activities must support advancement toward full CCBHC certification readiness through any one or combination of the following goals:

• Strengthen the nine (9) core CCBHC services as outlined in the most recent version of the South Dakota CCBHC Certification Manual1.

• Improve timely access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services.

• Expand integrated care capacity (e.g., collaboration with primary care, justice partners, K‑12 and higher education, crisis systems).

• Build workforce infrastructure and clinical capacity to deliver high‑quality, sustainable services.

• Increase rural and frontier access to behavioral health services and strengthen sustainability, with particular attention to underserved communities.

• Data‑driven quality improvement and outcome reporting aligned with RHT and CCBHC metrics.

1 Available at https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/grantinfo.aspx

These grants are funded through RHT supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and are in support of the Behavioral Health initiatives described in the RHT project narrative. There will be multiple awards granted. There is no match requirement.

Total funding available for Budget Period 1 of this RFA is approximately $9.7 million. Grantees will be able to spend Budget Period 1 funds through September 30, 2027; work plans and cost proposals may reflect that time period.

Continuation funding for Budget Periods 2-5 may be secured through annual continuation requests to DSS. Please note all Budget Periods and the amount of available funding is subject to change. The award amount per applicant is expected to vary based on the proposed project and reasonable achievement of provisional CCBHC certification in the state’s timeline.

Period of Performance Year

Budget period starts

Budget period ends

Final invoices must be received by

Budget Period 1 Grant agreement execution date

October 30, 2026 July 30, 2027

Budget Period 2 October 31, 2026 October 30, 2027 July 30, 2028 Budget Period 3 October 31, 2027 October 30, 2028 July 30, 2029 Budget Period 4 October 31, 2028 October 30, 2029 July 30, 2030 Budget Period 5 October 31, 2029 October 30, 2030 July 30, 2031

For more information regarding RHT and to access the project narrative mentioned above please refer to this website: ruralhealthtransformation.sd.gov

1.2 ISSUING OFFICE AND RFA REFERENCE NUMBER

The Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health is the issuing office for this document and all subsequent addenda relating to it, on behalf of the State of South Dakota, Department of Health. The reference number for the transaction is RFA # 26-08RHT-016. This number must be referred to on all applications, correspondence, and documentation relating to the RFA.

1.3 LETTER OF INTENT

A Letter of Intent is not required for this RFA.

1.4 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

RFA Publication June 5, 2026 Letter of Intent to Respond Due N/A Applicant Questions Due Responses to Applicant Questions

Questions may be submitted throughout the application timeline (refer to Section 1.12)

Application Submission July 15, 2026 Anticipated Award Decision/Contract Negotiation

July 24, 2026

1.5 SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

All applications must be completed and received by the Department of Social Services by the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities.

Applications received after the deadline will be late and ineligible for consideration.

Applications must be submitted as PDFs via Secured File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). Applicants must request an SFTP folder no later than the date indicated in the Schedule of Activities by emailing Kirsten Blachford at Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us.

The subject line should read “RFA# 26-08RHT-016 SFTP Request”. The email should contain the name and the email of the person who will be responsible for uploading the document(s).

Please note, applicants will need to work with their own technical support staff to set up an SFTP compatible software on applicant’s end. While the State of South Dakota can answer questions, State of South Dakota is not responsible for the software required.

All applications may be signed in ink or digitally by an officer of the organization legally authorized to bind the applicant to the application and sealed in the form intended by the respondent.

Applications that are not properly signed may be rejected.

No application may be accepted from, or any contract or purchase order awarded to any person, firm or corporation that is in arrears upon any obligations to the State of South Dakota, or that otherwise may be deemed irresponsible or unreliable by the State of South Dakota.

1.6 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND

VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION – LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS

By signing and submitting this application, the applicant certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation, by any Federal department or agency, from transactions involving the use of Federal funds. Where the applicant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, the bidder shall attach an explanation to their offer.

1.7 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The State of South Dakota requires that all contractors, vendors, and suppliers doing business with any State agency, department, or institution, provide a statement of non-discrimination. By signing and submitting their application, the applicant certifies they do not discriminate in their employment practices with regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, ancestry, national origin or disability.

1.8 CERTIFICATION RELATING TO PROHIBITED ENTITY

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or applicant certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or applicant, in preparing its response or offer or in considering applications submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, is not an entity, regardless of its principal place of business, that is ultimately owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign national, a foreign parent entity, or foreign government from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, or Venezuela, as defined by SDCL 5-18A. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or applicant on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or applicant further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

mailto:Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us

1.9 RESTRICTION OF BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors with five (5) or more employees who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota that involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or applicant certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or applicant, in preparing its response or offer or in considering applications submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, has not refused to transact business activities, has not terminated business activities, and has not taken other similar actions intended to limit its commercial relations, related to the subject matter of the bid or offer, with a person or entity on the basis of Israeli national origin, or residence or incorporation in Israel or its territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel in a discriminatory manner. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or applicant on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or applicant further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.10 CERTIFICATION OF NO STATE LEGISLATOR INTEREST

Applicant (i) understands neither a state legislator nor a business in which a state legislator has an ownership interest may be directly or indirectly interested in any contract with the State that was authorized by any law passed during the term for which that legislator was elected, or within one year thereafter, and (ii) has read South Dakota Constitution Article 3, Section 12 and has had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice on the applicability of that provision to any Agreement entered into as a result of this RFA. By signing an Agreement pursuant to this RFA, Applicant hereby certifies that the Agreement is not made in violation of the South Dakota Constitution Article 3, Section 12.

1.11 MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATIONS

Applications may be modified or withdrawn by the applicant prior to the established due date and time.

No oral, telephonic, telegraphic or facsimile responses or modifications to informal, formal bids, or Request for Applications will be considered.

1.12 APPLICANT INQUIRIES

Applicants may email inquiries concerning this RFA to obtain clarification of requirements up until the Application Submission date. Inquiries must be emailed to Kirsten Blachford at Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us with the subject line “RFA # 26-08RHT-016”. Questions and responses will be made available to all cohort members. In addition, inquiries may be asked during established cohort meetings. Independent email or phone conversations regarding this RFA outside of these two avenues are not permitted.

Applicants may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFA. Applicants will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFA.

1.13 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The application of the successful applicant(s) becomes public information. Proprietary information can be protected under limited circumstances such as client lists and non-public financial statements. An entire application may not be marked as proprietary. Applicants must clearly identify in the Executive Summary and mark in the body of the application any specific proprietary information they are requesting to be protected. The Executive Summary must contain specific justification explaining why the information is to be protected. Applications may be reviewed and evaluated by any person at the discretion of the State. All materials submitted become the property of the State of South Dakota and may be returned only at the State's option.

1.14 LENGTH OF CONTRACT

The contract resulting from this RFA will be issued for a period starting on or around August 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027. Contracts may include option for up to three one-year renewals.

1.15 GOVERNING LAW

Venue for any and all legal action regarding or arising out of the transaction covered herein shall be solely in the State of South Dakota. The laws of South Dakota shall govern this transaction.

1.16 DISCUSSIONS WITH APPLICANTS (ORAL PRESENTATION/NEGOTIATIONS)

An oral presentation by an applicant to clarify a application may be required at the sole discretion of the State. However, the State may award a contract based on the initial applications received without discussion with the applicant. If oral presentations are required, they will be scheduled after the submission of applications. Oral presentations will be made at the applicant’s expense.

This process is a Request for Application/Competitive Negotiation process. Each Application shall be evaluated, and each respondent shall be available for negotiation meetings at the State’s request. The State reserves the right to negotiate on any and/or all components of every application submitted. From the time the applications are submitted until the formal award of a contract, each application is considered a working document and as such, will be kept confidential. The negotiation discussions will also be held as confidential until such time as the award is completed.

2.0 STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Any contract or agreement resulting from this RFA will include the State’s standard terms and conditions as listed below, along with any additional terms and conditions as negotiated by the parties:

2.1 The Contractor will perform those services described in the Scope of Work, attached hereto as

Section 3 of the RFA and by this reference incorporated herein.

2.2 The Contractor’s services under this Agreement shall commence on __________________ and end on ___________________, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

2.3 The Contractor will not use State equipment, supplies or facilities. The Contractor will provide the

State with its Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number upon execution of this Agreement.

2.4 The State will make payment for services upon satisfactory completion of the services. The TOTAL

CONTRACT AMOUNT is an amount not to exceed $________________. The State will not pay Contractor's expenses as a separate item. Payment will be made pursuant to itemized invoices submitted with a signed state voucher. Payment will be made consistent with SDCL ch. 5-26.

2.5 The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from and against any and all actions, suits, damages, liability or other proceedings that may arise as the result of performing services hereunder. This section does not require the Contractor to be responsible for or defend against claims or damages arising solely from errors or omissions of the State, its officers, agents or employees.

2.6 The Contractor, at all times during the term of this Agreement, shall obtain and maintain in force insurance coverage of the types and with the limits as follows:

A. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain occurrence based commercial general liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to this Agreement or be no less than two times the occurrence limit.

B. Professional Liability Insurance or Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance:

The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain professional liability insurance or miscellaneous professional liability insurance with a limit not less than $1,000,000.00.

C. Business Automobile Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain business automobile liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each accident. Such insurance shall include coverage for owned, hired and non-owned vehicles.

D. Worker’s Compensation Insurance:

The Contractor shall procure and maintain workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance as required by South Dakota law.

Before beginning work under this Agreement, Contractor shall furnish the State with properly executed Certificates of Insurance which shall clearly evidence all insurance required in this Agreement. In the event a substantial change in insurance, issuance of a new policy, cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy, the Contractor agrees to provide immediate notice to the State and provide a new certificate of insurance showing continuous coverage in the amounts required. Contractor shall furnish copies of insurance policies if requested by the State.

2.7 While performing services hereunder, the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an officer, agent, or employee of the State of South Dakota.

2.8 Contractor agrees to report to the State any event encountered in the course of performance of this Agreement which results in injury to the person or property of third parties, or which may otherwise subject Contractor or the State to liability. Contractor shall report any such event to the State immediately upon discovery.

Contractor's obligation under this section shall only be to report the occurrence of any event to the State and to make any other report provided for by their duties or applicable law. Contractor's obligation to report shall not require disclosure of any information subject to privilege or confidentiality under law (e.g., attorney-client communications). Reporting to the State under this section shall not excuse or satisfy any obligation of Contractor to report any event to law enforcement or other entities under the requirements of any applicable law.

2.9 This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event the Contractor breaches any of the terms or conditions hereof, this Agreement may be terminated by the State at any time with or without notice. If termination for such a default is effected by the State, any payments due to Contractor at the time of termination may be adjusted to cover any additional costs to the State because of Contractor's default. Upon termination the State may take over the work and may award another party an agreement to complete the work under this Agreement. If after the State terminates for a default by Contractor it is determined that Contractor was not at fault, then the Contractor shall be paid for eligible services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

2.10 This Agreement depends upon the continued availability of appropriated funds and expenditure authority from the Legislature for this purpose. If for any reason the Legislature fails to appropriate funds or grant expenditure authority, or funds become unavailable by operation of law or federal funds reductions, this Agreement will be terminated by the State. Termination for any of these reasons is not a default by the State nor does it give rise to a claim against the State.

2.11 This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the State. This

Agreement may not be amended except in writing, which writing shall be expressly identified as a part hereof, and be signed by an authorized representative of each of the parties hereto.

2.12 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of

South Dakota. Any lawsuit pertaining to or affecting this Agreement shall be venued in Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Hughes County, South Dakota.

2.13 The Contractor will comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements applicable to providing services pursuant to this Agreement, and will be solely responsible for obtaining current information on such requirements.

2.14 The Contractor may not use subcontractors to perform the services described herein without the express prior written consent of the State. The Contractor will include provisions in its subcontracts requiring its subcontractors to comply with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the State, and to provide insurance coverage for the benefit of the State in a manner consistent with this Agreement. The Contractor will cause its subcontractors, agents, and employees to comply, with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements and will adopt such review and inspection procedures as are necessary to assure such compliance.

2.15 Contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that all reports, plans, specifications, technical data, miscellaneous drawings, software system programs and documentation, procedures, or files, operating instructions and procedures, source code(s) and documentation, including those necessary to upgrade and maintain the software program, and all information contained therein provided to the State by the Contractor in connection with its performance of services under this Agreement shall belong to and is the property of the State and will not be used in any way by the Contractor without the written consent of the State. Papers, reports, forms, software programs, source code(s) and other material which are a part of the work under this Agreement will not be copyrighted without written approval of the State.

2.16 The Contractor certifies that neither Contractor nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or suspension, or declared ineligible from participating in transactions by the federal government or any state or local government department or agency.

Contractor further agrees that it will immediately notify the State if during the term of this Agreement Contractor or its principals become subject to debarment, suspension or ineligibility from participating in transactions by the federal government, or by any state or local government department or agency.

2.17 Any notice or other communication required under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent to the address set forth above. Notices shall be given by and to ___________________ on behalf of the State, and by ________________, on behalf of the Contractor, or such authorized designees as either party may from time to time designate in writing. Notices or communications to or between the parties shall be deemed to have been delivered when mailed by first class mail, provided that notice of default or termination shall be sent by registered or certified mail, or, if personally delivered, when received by such party.

2.18 In the event that any court of competent jurisdiction shall hold any provision of this Agreement unenforceable or invalid, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision hereof.

2.19 All other prior discussions, communications and representations concerning the subject matter of this Agreement are superseded by the terms of this Agreement, and except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

2.20 This contract is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $___ with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S.

Government.

3.0 DETAILED RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

The South Dakota Department of Social Services seeks applications from CCBHC cohort providers to support transformational, system-level improvements in South Dakota's behavioral health system. All activities supported through an award resulting from this RFA must be new or expansions of existing activities associated with CCBHC-aligned service delivery. Funds may not be used to supplant or offset existing behavioral health services.

3.1 Organizational Approach

Applicants must demonstrate organizational readiness to implement proposed CCBHC activities, including any existing or planned DCO partnerships, with emphasis on scope of service areas for which RHT funds are being requested. At minimum, applicants must describe the following in its approach:

• Description of the organization’s proposed CCBHC structure including satellite locations and defined service area

• Identification of any Designated Collaborating Organizations participating in the proposed activities for this RFA – reference Exhibit A for additional guidance specific to DCOs.

• Organizational readiness to begin work promptly upon award, including existing workforce and administrative capacity, prior experience implementing similar projects or grants, and internal systems that will be used to support financial oversight, contract compliance, and quality improvement.

3.2 Project Description

CCBHCs must directly provide—or partner with DCOs to provide—nine core services, including 24/7 crisis response, screening/assessment, treatment planning, outpatient mental health/substance use services, primary care screening, case management, rehab services, peer/family support, and specialized veteran care. In addition, CCBHCs must serve anyone seeking care who lives in their designated catchment area, regardless of their diagnosis, age, or ability to pay. CCBHCs must also support timely access to care. At minimum, applicants must describe the following:

• The specific CCBHC geographic and programmatic accessibility standards which RHT funding will be used to enhance or expand.

• Proposed project activities for Budget Period 1 – what will be done, how will it be done, and who will do it. For each activity, also provide:

a) Alignment with one or more of the RHT Scope of Work Domains identified in Section 1.1

b) Total investment to be made in Budget Period 1

c) Estimate of total investment to be made over the full project implementation period

d) Key deliverables

3.3 Expected Impact

Applicants must discuss how RHT fund investment advances the state's CCBHC-specific outcomes2 — including regional coverage, timely access to behavioral health care, integrated clinical improvement, and timely intervention — and articulate how each of the proposed activities will:

• accelerate CCBHC certification progress,

• strengthen service compliance and access standards,

• improve access and integration for rural and frontier populations,

• build infrastructure for sustainable service delivery, and

2 Accessible at https://doh.sd.gov/media/lyfbrd2k/sd_rhtproject-narrative-final.pdf beginning on page 50

• support system-level changes that benefit the Medicaid population and enhance care quality statewide.

3.4 Anticipated Outcomes

Applicants must describe measurable outcomes linked to each of the CCBHC-specific outcomes2 that are achievable within the project period and any additional metrics for evaluating project success. Awardees will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and an annual report.

3.5 Sustainability Plan

Applicants must describe how services, infrastructure, or workforce capacity developed under this award will continue with minimal disruption after RHT funding ends. Plans should include:

• A projected funding strategy for the five‑year RHT grant period, or until Prospective Payment System (PPS)‑based billing begins for CCBHC services.

• A description of how financial sustainability will be achieved after the RHT funding period.

• Workforce retention and operational continuity plans.

• Policies or system changes anticipated to be made that support long‑term viability.

3.6 Implementation Timeline

Provide a five-year schedule covering all proposed activities, including key purchases, task dependencies, and anticipated barriers, with key milestones identified on a quarterly and annual basis.

3.7 Project Management Plan

Applicants must demonstrate the organizational capacity to manage and implement all proposed activities within required timelines. The project management plan must identify the Project Director responsible for daily operations and goal completion, key personnel with their titles and defined responsibilities, internal governance structures guiding decision-making and performance oversight, and procedures for monitoring progress, managing delays, and ensuring delivery of all required outputs.

3.8 Budget Narrative and Justification

In the Detailed Response narrative, applicants must provide comprehensive cost justification detailing all proposed expenditures identified in the Cost Proposal (see 5.3.3) for Budget Period

1. Annual estimates for anticipated costs in Budget Periods 2-5 included in the Cost Proposal must also be described in the Budget Narrative in order for the state to understand the scale and scope of what is being proposed for subsequent funding periods. Cost proposals must reflect allowable uses of funds and demonstrate reasonable ability to expend funds requested in the timeline provided. Refer to Exhibit B for unallowable uses of funds. The State may request a revised Cost Proposal and supporting Budget Narrative during evaluation or contracting.

For each objective and associated funding request, applicants must:

• Explain how the requested funds will support timely implementation of the proposed activities.

• Identification of any other funding sources supporting similar efforts.

• Clear identification of whether costs support capital, workforce, provider payments, or IT infrastructure.

Applicants must confirm that proposed activities are enhancements upon existing behavioral health service delivery, and that associated costs for those proposed activities will not supplant existing funding.

Applicants must plan expenditure according to the following budget periods and State spending deadlines. Refer to Exhibit B for a list of unallowable uses of funding.

Period of Performance Year

Budget period starts

Budget period ends

Final invoices must be received by

Budget Period 1 Grant agreement execution date

October 30, 2026 July 30, 2027

Budget Period 2 October 31, 2026 October 30, 2027 July 30, 2028 Budget Period 3 October 31, 2027 October 30, 2028 July 30, 2029 Budget Period 4 October 31, 2028 October 30, 2029 July 30, 2030 Budget Period 5 October 31, 2029 October 30, 2030 July 30, 2031

4.0 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 The applicant is cautioned that it is the applicant's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories and that the State of South Dakota is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the application. The applicant's failure to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the application.

4.2 Applicant's Contacts: Applicants and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the RFA, the evaluation, etc. to the buyer of record indicated on the first page of this RFA. Applicants and their agents may not contact any state employee other than the buyer of record regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process.

Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements.

Applicants and their agents who have questions regarding this matter should contact the buyer of record.

4.3 If applicable, provide a brief description with dates of award information related to previous or current grants, performed by the applicant’s organization, which are similar to the requirements of this RFA.

4.4 The applicant may be required to submit a copy of their most recent independently audited financial statements.

4.5 If an applicant’s application is not accepted by the State, the application will not be reviewed/evaluated. Examples include application was not received on time, the application was not signed, or that electronic files were not provided.

5.0 APPLICATION RESPONSE FORMAT

5.1 Only a PDF copy shall be submitted via SFTP folder.

5.1.1 The application should be page numbered and should have an index and/or a table of contents referencing the appropriate page number.

5.2 All responses must be tabbed with labels for the following headings and content within:

5.2.1 RFA Form. The State’s RFA cover sheet (1st page of this document) completed and signed.

5.2.2 Detailed Response. This section should constitute the major portion of the application and must contain at least the following information:

5.2.2.1 A complete narrative of the applicant's work to be performed, the applicant’s ability and approach, and the resources necessary to fulfill the requirements.

This should demonstrate the applicant's understanding of the desired overall grant performance expectations.

5.2.2.2 A specific point-by-point response, in the order listed to each requirement in the RFA. The response should identify each requirement being addressed as enumerated in the RFA.

5.2.3 Cost Proposal. Costs will be evaluated independently from the application. All costs related to the provision of the required services must be included in the Cost Proposal.

6.0 APPLICATION EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

6.1 After determining that an application satisfies the mandatory requirements stated in the RFA, the evaluator(s) shall use subjective judgment in conducting a comparative assessment of the application by considering each of the following criteria:

6.1.1 Compliance with CCBHC Scope of Work and relation to the 9 core functions and RHT domains.

6.1.2 Geographical area coverage

6.1.3 Availability to the project locale;

6.1.4 Familiarity with the project locale;

6.1.5 Specialized expertise, capabilities, and technical competence as demonstrated by the proposed approach and methodology to meet the project requirements;

6.1.6 Resources available to perform the work, including any specialized services, within the specified time limits for the project;

6.1.7 Record of past performance, including price and cost data from previous projects, quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control, and contract administration;

6.1.8 Proposed project management techniques; and

6.1.9 Ability and proven history in handling special project constraints.

6.2 Experience and reliability of the applicant's organization are considered subjectively in the evaluation process. Therefore, the applicant is advised to submit any information which documents successful and reliable experience in past performances, especially those performances related to the requirements of this RFA.

6.3 The qualifications of the personnel proposed by the applicant to perform the requirements of this

RFA, whether from the applicant's organization or from a proposed subcontractor, will be subjectively evaluated. Therefore, the applicant should submit detailed information related to the experience and qualifications, including education and training, of proposed personnel.

6.4 The State reserves the right to reject any or all applications, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the State of South Dakota.

6.5 Award: The requesting agency and the highest ranked applicant(s) shall mutually discuss and refine the scope of services for the project and shall negotiate terms, including compensation and performance schedule.

6.5.1 If the agency and the highest ranked applicant(s) are unable for any reason to negotiate a contract at a compensation level that is reasonable and fair to the agency, the agency shall, either orally or in writing, terminate negotiations with the contractor. The agency may then negotiate with the next highest ranked contractor.

6.5.2 The negotiation process may continue through successive applicants, according to agency ranking, until an agreement is reached or the agency terminates the contracting process.

6.5.3 Only the response of the vendor(s) awarded work becomes public. Responses to work orders for vendors not selected and the evaluation criteria and scoring for all applications are not public. Vendors may submit a redacted copy with the full application as stated in Section 1.12 Proprietary Information. SDCL 1-27-1.5 and See SDCL 1-27-1.5 and 1-27- 1.6.

Exhibit A: Designated Collaborating Organizations (DCOs)

Applicants may include DCO scope of service expansion or enhancement needs to meet CCBHC service requirements.

If DCOs are included, applicants must identify and list each DCO and provide a description that includes the following:

• Legal name and service location(s)

• Required service(s) the DCO will deliver on behalf of the CCBHC

• Specific expansion or enhancement activities included in the cost proposal specific to the DCO

• Rationale for utilizing the DCO rather than providing the service internally

• Planned integration with the applicant’s care coordination model

• Referral, documentation, and data‑sharing processes

• How the applicant will maintain clinical and operational oversight, including contractual performance expectations

• How the applicant will ensure the DCO will comply with required data reporting and outcomes alignment

• Credentialing and workforce standards applied to DCO staff

• An implementation plan, including timeline, consistent with Section 3.2.1 requirements

NOTE: If the DCO relationship or financial needs are not yet fully defined, provide the best available information and a budget estimate. The State may provisionally approve budget estimates in resulting contracts for DCO-directed funding, contingent on the above information and receiving DSS approval prior to spending.

Exhibit B: Use of Funds and Limitations

The following expenditures are prohibited and may disqualify the application. Applicants must also comply with all unallowable cost restrictions outlined in the CMS Notice of Award and federal regulations. If any conflict arises, CMS requirements take precedence.

• Supplanting: Replacing or offsetting existing federal, state, local, tribal, payer, or private funding.

• Pre-award costs, unless separately allowable under a planning grant.

• Matching requirements: Using funds to meet match obligations for other federal or local programs.

• Costs that are the legal responsibility of another entity under federal, State, or tribal law (e.g., education services, vocational rehabilitation, court-ordered services).

• Costs required under civil rights laws, such as workplace modifications or legally mandated accommodations.

• Goods or services not allocable to the project.

• Ongoing operational costs currently funded through reimbursement or other existing revenue sources.

• Reimbursable clinical services, including direct payments for services billable to Medicaid, Medicare, or third-party payers; duplicate payments; or attempts to alter existing fee schedules.

• Salary support for clinicians not tied to rural expansion, transformation activities, or non-reimbursable services.

• Compensation linked to non-compete clauses.

• Construction: New construction, major expansion, building purchases, significant retrofitting, cosmetic upgrades, or any capital expense that materially increases value or useful life.

• Minor renovations or alterations without CMS prior approval.

• Purchase of prohibited telecommunications or video-surveillance equipment (per 2 CFR 200.216).