Sustainable Rural Healthcare Workforce: Stakeholder & Project Mgmt

The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Emergency Services (ORHES) is requesting proposals for strategic leadership and operational support in advancing rural healthcare transformation initiatives statewide, with proposals due July 2, 2026 and an anticipated award by July 24, 2026.

The contractor will serve as a collaborative partner providing expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, program development, contract and grant administration, and technical assistance. Responsibilities include facilitating strategic initiatives; coordinating collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, tribal partners, and local, state, and federal agencies; supporting policy development and program implementation; conducting research, data analysis, and environmental scans; preparing reports and recommendations; and assisting with grants and contracts administration, monitoring, compliance, and evaluation. The contractor must demonstrate strong project management, communication, and facilitation skills and the ability to navigate complex healthcare environments.

The estimated contract value is $500,000 over the full contract period. The initial contract term runs August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, with options for up to three additional one-year renewals at the State's discretion. The RFP is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through a Rural Health Transformation award; CMS has funded only the first budget period, with subsequent-year funding subject to availability and change.

Eligible applicants include organizations, firms, consultants, healthcare entities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, or workforce development entities. Preference may be given to applicants with demonstrated expertise in rural, frontier, and tribal communities and experience in rural healthcare systems, healthcare workforce development, EMS systems, grant administration, stakeholder facilitation, and project management. Applicants currently receiving other RHT funding must disclose such funding and identify any potential duplication of activities or costs.

Responses to offeror questions are due by June 19, 2026. No mandatory bidder's conference or site visits are specified; oral presentations may be required at the State's discretion at the offeror's expense. The cost proposal must separately detail personnel costs with hourly rates and time allocations, travel and training expenses reimbursed at South Dakota per diem rates, and other costs. Inquiries should be emailed to Josie Petersen at Josie.Petersen@state.sd.us with subject line RFP#26-09RHT-022.