Rural Maternity Care System Analysis

The Minnesota Department of Health is requesting proposals for Rural Maternity Care System Analysis under an RFP with proposals due September 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM CDT, with a contract start anticipated in September 2026 and project completion by September 2027. The evaluation includes a diversity and inclusion component; vendors meeting Minnesota's Small Business Certification Program criteria (including Minnesota-based small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, disability-owned, or veteran-owned enterprises, or those in economically disadvantaged counties) receive consideration, and non-certified vendors meeting these criteria may be contacted by the Office of Equity in Procurement.

The scope requires stakeholder engagement and financial analysis to develop recommendations for sustainable rural maternal care delivery models. Deliverables include a work plan with monthly check-ins, a data collection and analysis plan, facilitation of advisory group meetings with up to 20 rural partners, draft recommendations by March 31, 2027, and a final recommendations report with presentation materials by May 7, 2027. These recommendations will serve as the foundation for pilot grants to hospitals and health systems testing sustainable strategies.

Mandatory qualifications include at least five years of experience convening large groups, health services research, hospital finances and cost accounting, and rural health projects, plus demonstrated experience from two or more state policy development projects with research plans informed by diverse stakeholders. Desired qualifications include experience with Minnesota healthcare policy and maternal healthcare projects. Work samples (minimum two required) must be submitted.

Evaluation is weighted: proposed approach (400 points), qualifications and experience (300 points), and cost (300 points) for a total of 1,000 points. The contract is entirely CMS-funded through a financial assistance award totaling $193,090,618.14. Professional liability insurance of $2,000,000 per claim with a $100,000 deductible is required. All work must be performed within the United States. Responses must be submitted through the SWIFT Supplier Portal. The primary contact is Emma Distel (emma.distel@state.mn.us).