Rural Telehealth Services Center Needs Assessment

The Minnesota Department of Health is requesting proposals for a needs assessment and design proposal for Rural Telehealth Services in Minnesota, with proposals due September 14, 2026 and deliverables due September 19, 2026. The initiative is 100 percent funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through a financial assistance award totaling $193,090,618.14.

The scope requires a comprehensive needs assessment evaluating current healthcare service availability in underserved rural populations, identification of gaps in telehealth access, and a detailed design proposal addressing implementation timelines, resource requirements, staffing models, technology platforms, and integration strategies with existing healthcare providers. The assessment should identify actions necessary to create linkages between providers and patients, facilitate provider-to-provider connections, and address existing barriers to telehealth implementation. Required deliverables include a Work Plan, Project Management services (including kick-off within five days of contract execution and monthly virtual check-ins), an Interim Needs Assessment, a Final Report, and a Summary Presentation.

Responders must submit separate technical and cost proposals. Cost proposals must use the provided Attachment C template and include fully loaded hourly rates covering travel, equipment, supplies, indirect costs, and other charges; Table 1 summarizing total costs and anticipated completion dates for each deliverable; and Table 2 documenting all job titles, hourly rates, and estimated hours. Responders must submit at least two work samples. All proposals must include non-collusion declarations, organizational conflict-of-interest statements, and compliance with lobbying restrictions for contracts exceeding $100,000. Workforce and equal pay certification requirements apply for contracts exceeding threshold values set by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, with exemptions for businesses with fewer than 40 employees.

Small businesses owned by racial minorities, women, individuals with substantial physical disabilities, veterans, service-disabled veterans, or located in economically disadvantaged counties are encouraged to self-identify for certification in Minnesota's Small Business Procurement Program. The State's proposal acceptance period extends until contract execution, solicitation cancellation, or 180 days after the due date, whichever occurs first. Contact: Minnesota Department of Health Rural Health Program, 625 Robert Street North, Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164; 651-201-3838; health.orhpc@state.mn.us.