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645600 - FY26 RFP PHTHORC26009 for Best and Brightest Medical Equipment Procurement
Funding Opportunity Details
Healthy Hometowns
Final Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2026 4:00 PM
Status Closed
Posted Date Dec 19, 2025 7:52 AM
Award Amount RangeNot Applicable
Project Dates 02/15/2026 - 09/30/2031
Award Announcement Date 01/27/2026
Categorical Area
Recurring Opportunity No
Program Officer Julie Jones
Phone (515) 242-5934 x
Email julie.jones@hhs.iowa.gov
Description
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It is the responsibility of the Applicant to review all Attachments listed below for additional details regarding this Funding Opportunity.
The issuance of this Funding Opportunity in no way constitutes a commitment by Iowa HHS to award a contract.
Excerpts from the RFP:
Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # PHTHORC26009 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified Rural organizations in Iowa to receive funding support for medical equipment procurement and installation, including Minor Alterations and Renovations if needed. The goal of this opportunity is to provide new lines of service not currently available in the region and/or increase the sustainability of providing high quality healthcare in Rural communities. This work implements a portion of the Hometown Connections initiative of the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001.
Schedule of Important Dates (All times and dates listed are local Iowa time.
The table below lists critical dates in the application and contract award process. Contractors are encouraged to review the entire RFP for detailed information about events, dates, times and sites.
EVENT
DATE
RFP Issued
December 8, 2025
Written Questions and Responses
Round 1 Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
December 10, 2025
December 12, 2025
Final Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
December 17, 2025
December 19, 2025
Applications Due
January 5, 2026
by 4:00 PM Local Iowa Time
Post Notice of Intent to Award
On or around January 27, 2026
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Attachments
| Description | File Name | Type | Size | Upload Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. This RFP Best and Brightest- Medical Equipment Procurement RFP #PHTHORC26009 | A. This RFP Best and Brightest- Medical Equipment Procurement RFP PHTHORC26009.pdf | 398 KB | 12/08/2025 01:44 PM | |
| B. Attachment B Work Plan Formatting Specifications | B. Attachment B Work Plan Formatting Specifications.pdf | 135 KB | 12/08/2025 01:44 PM | |
| C. HHS Application Instructions Guidance (IowaGrants) | C. HHS Application Instructions Guidance IowaGrants.pdf | 2 MB | 12/08/2025 01:45 PM | |
| D. Best and Brightest- Medical Equipment Sample Draft Contract | D. Best and Brightest- Medical Equipment Sample Draft Contract.pdf | 286 KB | 12/08/2025 01:45 PM | |
| E. Amendment 1 PHTHORC26009 RFP Best & Brightest Medical Equipment Procurement | E. Amendment 1 PHTHORC26009 RFP Best Brightest Medical Equipment Procurement.pdf | 100 KB | 12/12/2025 03:16 PM |
Website links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| A. IowaGrants Registration and Login Instructions | https://dom.iowa.gov/state-government/grant-management |
| B. General Terms and Contingent Terms | https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/contract-terms |
| C. Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer (Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer) to determine rurality for the purposes of this funding opportunity | https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/rural-health/rural-health-eligibility |
| Additional information on determining rural eligibility (How We Define Rural | HRSA | https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/about-us/what-is-rural |
| Submitted Date | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 9, 2025 6:41 PM | What needs to be provided for proof of HIE participation? | Applicants can show proof of HIE participation by submitting a copy of their signed participation agreement or a copy of an email from the current Iowa HIE vendor that confirms their participation. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL # PHTHORC26009 |
| Dec 9, 2025 6:52 PM | What stage can the proposed project be at prior to award? Can bids be approved by the Board? Can any funds be spent on the project prior to approval? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. RHT funding is designed to support expansion and scale to better serve rural communities, not to replace or duplicate existing funding sources. Projects should be new and without existing, identified funding sources. No funds may be spent prior to approval. |
| Dec 9, 2025 7:38 PM | Concerning one application per county within the eligible service area. We plan to submit an application. Can we also partner with another organization that is planning to submit an application? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Refer to RFP Section 1.14, Multiple Applications. An applicant may submit one application per county within the eligible service area covered to address the equipment needs identified by the applicant’s needs assessment outlined in this opportunity. The applicant is the entity that submits the application and assumes responsibility for the contractual terms and conditions, as well as implementation of the project, including fiscal and administrative oversight. |
| Dec 10, 2025 10:31 AM | With the short turn around for grant application can we apply for a CON (Certificate of Need) once/after awarded grant funding? | Applicants can apply for a Certificate of Need after receiving notice of being awarded a contract. |
| Dec 10, 2025 11:36 AM | Is this grant limited to one piece of equipment or could we submit multiple items that will provide care for our hub and spoke model? Essentially, can we lump together multiple items for cancer care, maternity and cardiology? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Refer to Section 2.03, Scope of Work. Contractors shall procure, install, and use a needed piece of large-scale medical equipment. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Monitor https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-rht and iowagrants.gov for information regarding future funding opportunities |
| Dec 10, 2025 2:31 PM | The "Equipment" definition specifies a per-unit acquisition cost level. Does the level also apply to the "Minor Alterations and Renovations" and if not, are there any similar requirements for the minor alterations and renovations? Thank you! | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Minor Alterations and Renovations projects include small modifications aimed at enhancing the functionality of the facility where the project will take place. In general, minor modifications to an existing building footprint, existing infrastructure, and existing rooms within a facility would be considered minor building alterations or renovations. For example, renovations or retrofitting to convert underutilized cost intensive spaces within existing health care facilities to a space for equipment may be considered minor renovations. Minor alterations and renovations should be no more than 20% of the budget submitted via this application. Refer to REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL # PHTHORC26009 Amendment #1 |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:25 PM | We are considering applying for the Best and Brightest Medical Equipment Procurement grant and would like clarification regarding eligibility for a specific scenario. Our organization recently acquired a Da Vinci DV5 surgical robot. We entered into a purchase agreement after learning that One Big Beautiful Bill funding would be available in some form to rural health systems. Because we had an immediate need for the technology and had an approved Certificate of Need application, we were not in a position to delay the acquisition until potential grant cycles opened. Although the equipment is already onsite, we have not made any payments yet, and our first payment will not be due until after the projected award date for this grant. We would like to clarify the following: Would costs associated with this equipment, whose purchase agreement was signed after passage of OBBA with intent to qualify for RHT dollars, but for which no payments have yet been made, be eligible for funding under this grant? We want to ensure full compliance with grant requirements before submitting an application. Thank you for your guidance. | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. RHT funding is designed to support expansion and scale to better serve rural communities, not to replace or duplicate existing funding sources. Projects should be new and without existing, identified funding sources. No funds may be spent prior to approval. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:26 PM | We are considering applying for the Best and Brightest Medical Equipment Procurement grant and would like clarification regarding eligibility for a specific scenario. Our organization recently acquired a Da Vinci DV5 surgical robot. We entered into a purchase agreement after learning that One Big Beautiful Bill funding would be available in some form to rural health systems. Because we had an immediate need for the technology and had an approved Certificate of Need application, we were not in a position to delay the acquisition until potential grant cycles opened. Although the equipment is already onsite, we have not made any payments yet, and our first payment will not be due until after the projected award date for this grant. We would like to clarify the following: Would costs associated with this equipment, whose purchase agreement was signed after passage of OBBA with intent to qualify for RHT dollars, but for which no payments have yet been made, be eligible for funding under this grant? We want to ensure full compliance with grant requirements before submitting an application. Thank you for your guidance. | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. RHT funding is designed to support expansion and scale to better serve rural communities, not to replace or duplicate existing funding sources. Projects should be new and without existing, identified funding sources. No funds may be spent prior to approval. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:41 PM | The way I read this, it will work for mental Health clinics wanting to add health and wellness equipment that will benefit and work along with Mental Health Counseling? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Refer to Section 2.03, Scope of Work. Contractors shall procure, install, and use a needed piece of large-scale medical equipment. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Monitor https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-rht and iowagrants.gov for information regarding future funding opportunities. Refer to Section 1.03 for Eligibility criteria. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:49 PM | Will the grant cover the purchase of equipment that is currently leased? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. RHT funding is designed to support expansion and scale to better serve rural communities, not to replace or duplicate existing funding sources. Projects should be new and without existing, identified funding sources. No funds may be spent prior to approval. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:59 PM | If a HUB location serves multiple counties, do we need to submit one application for each county's equipment need, or can it be a combined application representing multiple SPOKES in different counties? | Refer to RFP Section 1.14, Multiple Applications. An applicant may submit one application per county within the eligible service area covered to address the equipment needs identified by the applicant’s needs assessment outlined in this opportunity. Each application should contain one piece of equipment. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:00 PM | May a HUB act as the fiscal agent and applicant while the equipment is installed and operated at a rural spoke site (different legal entity)? What agreements or MOUs are required? (RE: RFP §1.03 Eligible Applicants; §1.18 Use of Subcontractors) | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Refer to RFP Section 1.14, Multiple Applications. An applicant may submit one application per county within the eligible service area covered to address the equipment needs identified by the applicant’s needs assessment outlined in this opportunity. Each application should contain one piece of equipment. Purchased equipment must be installed in a Rural area. The applicant organization does not need to be located in a Rural area. Subcontracts can be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the Agency, |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:12 PM | Cost Justification Detail: For the Equipment type and description section, what is the minimum level of detail required for "cost and bid information"? Specifically, are two to three formal, itemized vendor quotes required for the equipment and installation, or will a detailed sole-source justification suffice for specialized technologies? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. For application requirements, refer to Section 3.02 - applicants shall describe the expected total dollar amount to purchase and install the equipment, the amount of funds the applicant is requesting from the Agency through this RFP (maximum $5,000,000), and justification for how this cost was derived. Refer to Section 4 for evaluation process and scoring criteria. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:12 PM | Remainder Funds Evidence: For projects exceeding the $5,000,000 cap, what specific type of evidence is required to demonstrate the "intended source of the remainder of the funds"? (e.g., binding commitment letters, board resolution, current cash balance statement). | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. For application requirements, refer to Section 3.02. Refer to Section 4 for evaluation process and scoring criteria. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:12 PM | Minor Alterations and Renovations (MAR) Cap: Is there a maximum dollar amount or percentage of the total project cost (up to $5,000,000) that can be allocated to Minor Alterations and Renovations? (This is needed for budgeting the Operational Readiness section). | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Minor Alterations and Renovations projects include small modifications aimed at enhancing the functionality of the facility where the project will take place. In general, minor modifications to an existing building footprint, existing infrastructure, and existing rooms within a facility would be considered minor building alterations or renovations. For example, renovations or retrofitting to convert underutilized cost intensive spaces within existing health care facilities to a space for equipment may be considered minor renovations. Minor alterations and renovations should be no more than 20% of the budget submitted via this application. Refer to REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL # PHTHORC26009 Amendment #1 |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:12 PM | Travel Distance Methodology: For describing the current approximate travel distance for clients to get similar services, is there a required methodology (e.g., average one-way driving distance, specific service radius, or reliance on patient origin data)? | The Agency does not have a required methodology for travel distance. Refer to Section 4 for evaluation process and scoring criteria. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:12 PM | ICD/CPT Codes: The Tracking and Reporting Capacity section requires a list of anticipated HCPCS/CPT and ICD codes. Does the Agency expect an exhaustive list of all codes potentially used, or a representative list of the top 10-15 primary codes associated with the new equipment's services? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Applicants shall submit a list of anticipated HCPCS/CPT and ICD codes associated with services to be provided using the new equipment as part of the application. Contractors are responsible for reporting what codes will potentially be used. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:12 PM | Anticipated Approvals: Regarding the required description of "approvals, licenses, certifications, regulatory requirements," what are the anticipated primary State of Iowa licenses (beyond radiological permits mentioned in Section 2) that the Agency expects to see addressed in the plan for high-cost medical equipment (e.g., specific facility licenses, Certificate of Need process)? | Applicants must describe the required licenses, permits, and approvals related to their specific application. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:13 PM | Subcontract Detail: For the description of anticipated subcontracts, should the Applicant include letters of intent or statements of qualifications from potential subcontractors (e.g., for installation or minor renovations)? | Refer to Section 1.18 for information regarding the use of subcontractors. Refer to RFP Section 3 for Subcontract Plan Application Form details. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:13 PM | Accounting Irregularities: For the Business Organization form, what is the Agency's timeframe/lookback period for reporting "irregularities discovered in any of the accounts"? | The lookback period should include a minimum of the past six years. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:13 PM | Omissions Liability: Section 2.04.C states the applicant "assumes all liability for any omissions" regarding the fixed cost reimbursement. If a necessary cost (e.g., a specific permit fee) is omitted from the Project Plan and the 50% fixed cost is approved, how does the Contractor request adjustment or reimbursement for that necessary but omitted item? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Applicants should submit comprehensive workplans and budgets for this work. The Agency will review requests for adjustments to projects plans on a case by case basis. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:22 PM | Confirm examples of allowable Minor Alterations and Renovations (e.g., shielding for CT, floor reinforcement, electrical service upgrades) versus disallowed major construction. What documentation is required to prove Minor Alterations and Renovations status? (re: RFP §2.02 “Minor Alterations and Renovations”; §2.03.B.1.ii; §2.04.B.5) | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Minor Alterations and Renovations projects include small modifications aimed at enhancing the functionality of the facility where the project will take place. In general, minor modifications to an existing building footprint, existing infrastructure, and existing rooms within a facility would be considered minor building alterations or renovations. For example, renovations or retrofitting to convert underutilized cost intensive spaces within existing health care facilities to a space for equipment may be considered minor renovations. Other items that may be considered minor renovations include • Interior Modifications: Installing or relocating interior walls and partitions to create new offices or meeting rooms. • Lighting and Electrical: Upgrading light fixtures to more energy-efficient systems. • HVAC and Plumbing: Replacing vents and thermostats for better climate control. • Accessibility Improvements: Installing automatic door openers to enhance accessibility. • Security and Safety: Installing or upgrading security cameras or access control panels. • Workspace Reconfiguration: Creating open office layouts or converting private offices to better suit needs. Minor alterations and renovations should be no more than 20% of the budget submitted via this application. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:57 PM | Our rural health clinic currently operates without an Electronic Health Record (EHR), which limits our ability to deliver efficient, coordinated care. We are actively working and already in the process of acquiring the necessary technology and anticipate launching our EHR system in June 2026. Implementing an EHR will significantly improve patient safety, data accuracy, and overall quality of care, including efficiency to help provide enhanced screenings and other healthcare treatments. Under this RFP, we seek confirmation that funds can be used to support EHR implementation, including software, hardware, and training costs, as this investment is critical to advancing healthcare access and outcomes in our rural community and will further improve data sharing under the hub and spoke model. This is the very first EHR for our clinic (not an upgrade). Our organization is a critical access hospital and clinics; please note the hospital is already functioning with an EHR, however, the clinic does not have any EHR capability currently. Does the EHR qualify for this grant opportunity for the clinic? Thank you. | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Refer to Section 2.03, Scope of Work. Contractors shall procure, install, and use a needed piece of large-scale medical equipment. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Funds through this RFP cannot be used for EHR purchase or implementation. |
| Dec 12, 2025 1:03 PM | Is replacing current outdated equipment eligible for this fund? | Refer to Section 2.01, Background. The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. Refer to Section 3 for application content and Section 4 for application evaluation process and criteria. The Agency will consider applications for replacing outdated equipment. |
| Dec 12, 2025 1:08 PM | Will my application be denied if there is equipment on my work plan that don't directly relate to focused areas? For instance, a new ambulance is needed for our facility. | Refer to Section 2.01, Background. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Allowable costs include the medical equipment or devices, installation of the device, and Minor Alterations and Renovations necessary for service delivery. The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. Ambulances are not eligible pieces of equipment for the purposes of this RFP. |
| Dec 12, 2025 1:14 PM | Is only medical equipment eligible for these funds? What about IT or mechanical equipment? | Refer to Section 2.01, Background. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Allowable costs include the medical equipment or devices, installation of the device, and Minor Alterations and Renovations necessary for service delivery. The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. IT or mechanical equipment are not eligible for this RFP. |
| Dec 15, 2025 9:00 AM | Can multiple pieces of equipment be included on one application? For example, low dose CT and robotic surgery equipment. | 'Refer to Section 2.01, Background. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Allowable costs include the medical equipment or devices, installation of the device, and Minor Alterations and Renovations necessary for service delivery. The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. Each application must only include only one piece of medical equipment. |
| Dec 15, 2025 2:46 PM | If the cost to renovate the space for new equipment is more than 20% of the total project, should we show the full project cost and then explain what part we’re asking for in the workplan? Or should we only include the equipment cost plus up to 20% for renovations? | Refer to Section 3, application content. In the event that the total cost is above the maximum allowable funds provided through this RFP, the applicant shall describe the intended source of the remainder of the funds. Yes, applicants should show full project costs. |
| Dec 16, 2025 1:30 PM | Do we submit one app with multiple items or multiple apps? How does State define Region as it relates to 1.01 Purpose on page 3 of RFP? | Refer to Section 1.14, Multiple Applications. An applicant may submit one application per county within the eligible service area covered to address the equipment needs identified by the applicant’s needs assessment outlined in this opportunity. Refer to Section 2.01, Background, The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. Each application should contain a request for one piece of equipment. The Agency does not define region as descibed in Section 1.01. |
| Dec 16, 2025 4:28 PM | How do you define large-scale equipment? I see there is a maximum threshold noted of $5M. Is there a minimum threshold for what you will consider funding? | Refer to Section 2.01, Background. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Allowable costs include the medical equipment or devices, installation of the device, and Minor Alterations and Renovations necessary for service delivery. The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. There is not a minimum threshhold for this RFP. |
| Dec 16, 2025 4:30 PM | Can we use this funding to purchase mobile equipment for our cardiology program that we would take to several different rural locations? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Refer to Section 2.01, Background, The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. Mobile equipment is eligible for this RFP if all other eligibility criteria are met. Vehicles are not allowable costs under this RFP. |
| Dec 17, 2025 9:58 AM | Will a second RFP be issued in the event the HHS doesn't receive applications totaling 112M? | The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. The Agency has not made a decision as to whether a second Best and Brightest Medical Equipment RFP will be released. Monitor https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-rht and iowagrants.gov for information regarding future funding opportunities. |
| Dec 17, 2025 10:17 AM | Please clarify if a rural hospital may request multiple pieces of equipment if those items are collectively required to deliver a single service? For example, would outfitting a surgery suite to allow minor surgical procedures to be performed locally be considered an eligible approach? | Refer to Section 2.01, Background, The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. Monitor https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-rht and iowagrants.gov for information regarding future funding opportunities. |
| Dec 17, 2025 1:57 PM | Can grant funding be used to cover the expenses related to service or maintenance agreements for the piece of equipment funded by the grant? | 'Refer to Section 2.01, Background. Allowable costs include the medical equipment or devices, installation of the device, and Minor Alterations and Renovations necessary for service delivery. Maintenance agreements are not eligible expenses for this RFP. |
| Dec 17, 2025 2:57 PM | Will the grant also cover the cost of supporting equipment such as a MRI compatible wheelchair and stretcher? What about patient furniture for the changing room? | Refer to Section 2.01, Background. Allowable costs include the medical equipment or devices, installation of the device, and Minor Alterations and Renovations necessary for service delivery. MRI compatible wheelchairs and stretchers and patient furniture are not allowable costs for this RFP. |
| Dec 17, 2025 4:20 PM | Request for Clarification: Our organization previously submitted a question regarding the eligibility of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) funding. We respectfully request further clarification after reviewing the recently published federal guidance for the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Federal CMS materials outline the following restriction: “No more than 5% of total funding CMS awards to a state in a given budget period can support the replacement of an EMR system if a previous HITECH‑certified EMR system was already in place as of September 1, 2025.” CMS has also clarified that this 5% limitation applies only to the replacement of an existing, HITECH‑certified EMR system. This restriction does not apply to first‑time EMR implementations, enhancements, add‑on modules, or other new technology components. We wish to confirm that this interpretation is consistent with Iowa’s implementation of RHTP‑supported funding opportunities. Our Specific Situation: Our rural health clinic has never had an EMR/EHR system in place. We are requesting funding to support the initial installation and launch of our first-ever EMR to improve care coordination, data accuracy, patient safety, and overall clinical efficiency. Given this context, we respectfully request confirmation that first-time EMR implementation is an allowable use of funds under the Best and Brightest Medical Equipment Procurement RFP. Thank you. | 'The Agency will follow all funding restrictions and requirements provided from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001. The Agency anticipates receiving these terms on or around December 31, 2025. Continue to monitor Iowagrants.gov for any RFP amendments. Refer to Section 2.03, Scope of Work. Contractors shall procure, install, and use a needed piece of large-scale medical equipment. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Funds through this RFP cannot be used for EHR purchase or implementation. Iowa did not include EMR purchase and implementation into their grant application related to this RFP. |
| Dec 17, 2025 5:23 PM | Are we allowed to request multiple pieces of equipment in a single application? | 'Refer to Section 2.01, Background. The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. Applications should be for one piece of equipment. |
| Dec 17, 2025 5:23 PM | Is there a minimum dollar amount for equipment to be purchased? | Refer to Section 2.01, Background. These funds are intended to be used for the acquisition and installation of advanced medical technologies, such as (but not limited to) robotic surgical systems, low-dose CT scans, radiotherapy units, CT/PET scanners, and cardiac catheterization equipment. Allowable costs include the medical equipment or devices, installation of the device, and Minor Alterations and Renovations necessary for service delivery. The Agency anticipates funding applications for purchases and installation of single, large-scale items that increase the ability of Rural providers to offer new lines of service, provide enhanced screening capabilities, and/or reduce the occurrence of rural bypass by keeping rural residents in rural communities to receive preventive and diagnostic services, surgeries, and healthcare treatments. There is not a minimum threshhold for this RFP. |