SD Behavioral Health Modernization (CCBHC) Systems Eval & Tech Roadmap

The State of South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health, is issuing a Request for Proposal to procure comprehensive systems evaluation and technology roadmap development services supporting the expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) under the Rural Health Transformation initiative. The selected vendor will evaluate current billing, data collection, and reporting systems across South Dakota's State Treatment Activity Reporting System (STARS), Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), up to eleven Community Mental Health Center Electronic Health Record systems, and other provider EHRs to identify integration needs and inefficiencies. Deliverables include a final report by February 28, 2027, containing an executive summary, detailed methodology, fiscal impact analysis, technology infrastructure assessment, provider education recommendations, and specific system change recommendations addressing two potential payment pathways. The vendor must demonstrate expertise in CCBHC and DCO data collection and reporting best practices, experience with state Medicaid systems and various EHR platforms, and familiarity with rural healthcare settings. Key deadlines include Letters of Intent due March 16, 2026; offeror questions due March 27, 2026; SFTP folder requests due April 16, 2026; and final proposals due April 17, 2026, at 5 PM Central Time. The contract period runs from the anticipated award date of May 8, 2026, through February 28, 2027, with potential extensions contingent on federal funding availability, and oral presentations may be required at the vendor's expense.

The RFP identifies no specific set-asides or restrictions limiting eligible organizations, and no incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified. All work must comply with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines, HIPAA requirements, South Dakota Department of Social Services policies, and state IT security standards including encryption and secure transfer protocols. The project is funded 100 percent through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Rural Health Transformation initiative. The RFP does not identify a specific contract amount or budget range; however, the cost proposal must be organized by project phase with detailed breakdowns including one-time implementation costs, sandbox or pilot testing costs, and costs per EHR reviewed. Vendors should submit inquiries regarding clarification of requirements to Kirsten Blachford at Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us with the subject line "RFP26-08RHT-015," with no inquiries accepted after the deadline specified in the Schedule of Activities, and all inquiries and responses will be posted on the state's e-procurement system and DSS website.