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645601 - FY26 RFP PHTHORC26010 for Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment
Funding Opportunity Details
Healthy Hometowns
Final Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2026 4:00 PM
Status Closed
Posted Date Dec 19, 2025 7:35 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) # PHTHORC26010 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicants to recruit highly skilled Healthcare Providers in Rural Iowa by offering competitive incentives that make rural practice both attractive and sustainable. Funds through this RFP shall be used for recruitment bonuses, relocation costs, or other provider incentives for Healthcare Providers providing In-Person, Full-Time care in Rural Iowa. 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. RFP PHTHORC26010 Best and Brightest Workforce | A. RFP PHTHORC26010 Best and Brightest Workforce.pdf | 372 KB | 12/08/2025 02:16 PM | |
| B. Attachment B Work Plan Formatting Specifications | B. Attachment B Work Plan Formatting Specifications.pdf | 126 KB | 12/08/2025 02:17 PM | |
| C. HHS Application Instructions Guidance (IowaGrants) | C. HHS Application Instructions Guidance IowaGrants.pdf | 2 MB | 12/05/2025 02:14 PM | |
| D. FY26 Best and Brightest Workforce Sample Draft Contract | D. FY26 Best and Brightest Workforce Sample Draft Contract.pdf | 267 KB | 12/08/2025 02:17 PM | |
| E. Amendment 1 RFP PHTHORC26010 Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment | E. Amendment 1 RFP PHTHORC26010 Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment.pdf | 117 KB | 12/12/2025 03:33 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 |
| Submitted Date | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 10, 2025 10:39 AM | Are retention bonuses/incentives allowed? | 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. Funds for this RFP may be used for recruitment only. |
| Dec 10, 2025 10:39 AM | Can grant funds be used for a recruiting firm? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. Funding for recruiting firms will not be allowed. |
| Dec 10, 2025 10:39 AM | Can grant funds be used for dentists (DDS/DMD)? | 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 1.03, Eligibility Requirements. Dentists are not eligible healthcare providers for the purposes of this RFP. |
| Dec 10, 2025 10:40 AM | Can a single organization apply for funding in more than one county? For example, 2 positions in 3 counties for a total of 6 positions? | Refer to Section 1.14. An applicant may submit only one application per type of provider per county. Applicants may submit more than one application. A single organization can apply for funding in more than one county. A single organization can apply for two positions per county in three counties for a total of 6 positions. Each application shall contain a request for only one provider (one application per provider request). |
| Dec 10, 2025 10:40 AM | Do positions have to be 100% clinical or is administrative allowed? For example, a Chief Medical Officer that is 50% clinical and 50% administrative? | 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. Funded positions through this RFP must be 1.0 FTE clinical, providing direct care to patients. |
| Dec 10, 2025 11:10 AM | Page 21, section 3.01 says: "The applicant is responsible for ensuring only one entire application is completed and submitted for the same service area." Please clarify, are 2 applications allowed per county (one for each type of provider)? | Refer to REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #RFP PHTHORC26010, Amendment 1 |
| Dec 10, 2025 12:27 PM | For 645600, the RFP says the equipment purchased must be physically located in a rural area as defined by HRSA as an eligible geographic location. Our organization is physically located in one site in an urban area, but our service area includes multiple rural counties and rural residents are being served. Would we qualify to apply? | 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 the Best and Brightes Medical Equipment RFP, equipment must be physically installed in a Rural area. |
| Dec 10, 2025 12:28 PM | For 645601, the RFP says providers are required to deliver in-person clinical services at a contracted rural healthcare facility for the duration of their service obligation. At our organization, providers are serving residents of rural counties, but our organization’s physical site in an urban area. Would we qualify to apply? | 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 this RFP, providers must provide full time, in-person direct patient care in a Rural area. The practice site must be in a Rural area. |
| Dec 10, 2025 1:13 PM | Can Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment be used for tuition reimbursement or to pay for tuition while the provider is in school? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 1:14 PM | For 645601 - FY26 RFP PHTHORC26010 for Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment can it be used to recruit overseas RN's? | 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 the purposes of this application, Iowa HHS anticipates that recruiting overseas nurses will not be an allowable cost |
| Dec 10, 2025 1:15 PM | For 645601 - FY26 RFP PHTHORC26010 for Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment can it be used to recruit RN's working on a Medical/Surgical and/or in the Emergency Room department? | 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. 'Refer to Section 3.02, Application Forms, Healthy Hometowns Project Work Plan Form, Provider type and description. "Provide a description of the services the Healthcare Provider will complete." Applicants should describe how the provider provides services in one or more of the eligible service types (refer to Section 1.03). If an applicant can appropriately describe how a nurse in a Medical/Surgical and/or in the Emergency Room department provides an eligible service type, this would be an allowable use of funds. |
| Dec 10, 2025 1:16 PM | For 645601 - FY26 RFP PHTHORC26010 for Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment can funds be used to buyout Travel/Agency RN contracts to hire them Full-time with our hospital? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 1:18 PM | For 645601 - FY26 RFP PHTHORC26010 for Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment can the funds be applied to Providers MD/DO that has already signed a contract, but does not start until 2026? | 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. RHT funding is designed to support expansion and scale to better serve rural communities, not to replace or duplicate existing funding sources. If a provider has already committed to serving in a rural area, that provider would not be eligible for funds through this RFP. |
| Dec 10, 2025 1:18 PM | For 645601 - FY26 RFP PHTHORC26010 for Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment can funds be used to create a model allowing internal staff seeking an RN degree to return to RN school while working Part-time and getting paid through the grant for Full-time wages? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:31 PM | Can one organization serve as fiscal agent for multiple rural sites? Is it possible for a HUB to apply for Best and Brightest Workforce for multiple rural sites within its SPOKE organizations, if physician recruitment and contracts happen at the HUB to support the rural areas? | 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 1.14. An applicant may submit only one application per type of provider per county. Applicants may submit more than one application. A single organization can apply for funding in more than one county. A single organization can apply for two positions per county in three counties for a total of 6 positions. Each application should contain a request for only one provider (one application per provider request). Eligible providers must provide 1.0 FTE, in person clinical work in Rural areas. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:33 PM | How should organizations ensure compliance with the 5-year service obligation? Is there a required repayment process if the provider leaves early? | 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 the purposes of this application, Iowa HHS anticipates that organizations will be required to repay funds if the provider discontinues providing services in a Rural area prior to the end of the five year service committment. Additional information on this will be provided at the time of contract issuance. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:34 PM | Can funds cover recruitment-related costs beyond bonuses and relocation (e.g., visa sponsorship, credentialing fees)? The RFP says no administrative costs—please clarify what counts as “administrative.” | 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. All funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:36 PM | How should organizations ensure compliance with the 5-year service obligation? Is there a required repayment process if the provider leaves early? | 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 the purposes of this application, Iowa HHS anticipates that organizations will be required to repay funds if the provider discontinues providing services in a Rural area prior to the end of the five year service commitment. Additional information on this will be provided at the time of contract issuance. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:50 PM | Would a Skilled Nursing Facility be eligible for this funding opportunity if it meets all other eligibility criteria referenced in the RFP section 1.03? | Refer to Section 1.03. A skilled nursing facility would be an eligible applicant if all other eligibility criteria are met. |
| Dec 10, 2025 3:56 PM | Will retention bonuses (not recruiting bonuses) for Providers which are already employed by a Contractor be funded by this grant? | 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. Funds for this RFP may be used for recruitment only. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:07 PM | Does the rural in-person requirement mean the provider must be physically based full-time in a rural facility, or only that their clinical encounters occur in-person at a rural site? | 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. Eligible providers must serve 1.0 FTE, providing in person clinical care full time at one or more Rural sites. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:07 PM | Are mobile clinics or itinerant/mobile models considered acceptable “in-person” care under the RFP? | Refer to Section 1.03. A mobile clinic would be an eligible practice site if all other eligibility criteria are met. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:07 PM | If a provider practices at multiple sites, do all sites need to be rural, or only the primary practice site? | 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. Eligible providers must serve 1.0 FTE, providing in person clinical care full time at one or more Rural sites. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:08 PM | Are hospitals and health systems eligible if they are located in a non-rural county but send providers to rural practice sites? | 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. Eligible providers must serve 1.0 FTE, providing in person clinical care full time at one or more Rural sites. The applicant organization does not need to be located in a Rural area. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:08 PM | Can the incentive funds be used to create a multi-year payment schedule for the provider (e.g., annual retention installments), as long as the total does not exceed $120,000? | 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. Funds received through this RFP must be spent by September 30, 2027. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:08 PM | Can multiple incentive types be combined (e.g., relocation + retention, etc.) as long as total stays within the $120,000 cap? | 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. Funds for this RFP may be used for recruitment only. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:08 PM | If a provider will work in multiple rural counties, must we designate only one county for the application? | Refer to REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #RFP PHTHORC26010, Amendment 1. Refer to Section 3.02, Application Forms. "Provide the full address of all practice locations for the Provider, including confirmation that this practice site is Rural." The Applicant must list all practice sites, all practice sites must be Rural, the provider must provide 1.0 FTE in-person, clinical service in rural areas. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:08 PM | Can the Agency clarify which workforce pipeline activities are allowable—e.g., rural rotations, preceptorship stipends, mentorship programs, simulation training, and clinical onboarding programs? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:08 PM | Can the Agency clarify which workforce pipeline activities are allowable—e.g., rural rotations, preceptorship stipends, mentorship programs, simulation training, and clinical onboarding programs? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:09 PM | Are capital expenses for educational equipment (simulation, tele-education technology) allowable? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:09 PM | Does the RFP allow funding for specialty workforce pathways (e.g., behavioral health, maternal health, emergency care, primary care)? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:09 PM | Can workforce initiatives include partnerships with K–12 schools, community colleges, and universities, or must they be limited to healthcare employers? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:09 PM | Is there an expectation that funded applicants collaborate with the regional Health Hubs or Centers of Excellence programs? | Refer to Section 4 for application evaluation procedures. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:09 PM | Should applicants demonstrate formal partnerships with rural hospitals or is informal collaboration acceptable? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. Refer to Section 4 for application evaluation procedures. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:09 PM | Will IHHS provide templates for partnership agreements or letters of support? | No, the Agency will not provide templates for this purpose. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:10 PM | What specific workforce metrics must be reported—e.g., number of trainees, retention rates, credentialing timelines, training completions? | 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. See Section 2.03 Scope of work subsection E. Contract Performance Measures. Any additional information regarding performance measures will be provided at the time of contract issuance. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:10 PM | Will the Agency require any long-term tracking of workforce participants after grant funding ends? | 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. See Section 2.03 Scope of work subsection E. Contract Performance Measures. Any additional information regarding performance measures will be provided at the time of contract issuance. The Agency anticipates tracking workforce participants through 2031. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:10 PM | Will IHHS provide standardized reporting tools or is the applicant expected to develop their own? | 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. See Section 2.03 Scope of work subsection E. Contract Performance Measures. Any additional information regarding performance measures will be provided at the time of contract issuance. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:10 PM | Can the Agency clarify which personnel costs are considered direct program costs versus administrative overhead (subject to the 10% cap)? | 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 page 19, Cost Restrictions. Indirect and administrative cost charges are not allowed with these funds. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:10 PM | Are educational materials, faculty effort, preceptor payments, and workforce program coordinators allowable expenses? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. Educational materials, faculty effort, preceptor payments, and workforce program coordinators are not allowable expenses. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:10 PM | Does the RFP allow for stipends or financial incentives for trainees, rural placement bonuses, or housing assistance? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:10 PM | Can the Agency clarify how it will evaluate alignment with statewide workforce shortages or priority disciplines? | Refer to Section 4 for application evaluation procedures. |
| Dec 10, 2025 4:11 PM | Should applicants include alignment with other IHHS initiatives such as Health Hubs, maternal health improvement, behavioral health integration, or telehealth expansion? | Refer to Section 4 for application evaluation procedures. |
| Dec 10, 2025 5:04 PM | Is purchasing and/or building housing for provider residences an approved incentive to pursue under this grant? Housing is a challenge in our rural market when it comes to provider recruitment. 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 10, 2025 5:46 PM | It appears as if the RFP is only focused on incentives. Will the agency accept proposals that are focused on other solutions? For example, providing individuals from rural communities with scholarships to attend nurse practitioner programs? Another example is the award-winning Iowa Online Nurse Residency program which has been successful in providing a transition-to-practice program for new registered nurses working in critical access hospitals in Iowa. We would like to propose an expansion of that program to new nurse practitioners working in rural settings. This type of program can successfully integrate a new provider into their role, especially in communities that have limited resources. | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 11, 2025 12:09 PM | Are Federally Qualified Health Centers eligible to apply for this funding? | Refer to Section 1.03, Eligibility Requirements. Federally Qualified Health Centers are eligible to apply. |
| Dec 12, 2025 1:26 PM | Can a healthcare system submit one combined application for a proposal that will serve multiple rural regions? Or does each rural entity need to submit separate applications? | Refer to Section 1.03, Eligibility Requirements and Amendment 1. Organizations may submit up to two applications within the same rural county, one for funding to recruit a provider from Provider Type 1 and one for funding to recruit a provider from Provider Type 2. Refer to Section 1.14, Multiple Applications. An applicant may submit more than one application. Recruited providers must provide full-time, in person care in one or more Rural counties. The applicant organization does not need to be located in a Rural county. Each application should shall contain a request for only one provider (one application per funding request). |
| Dec 15, 2025 12:27 PM | Pharmacies are struggling to find & retain pharmacist providers also in many rural communities. Is there a reason pharmacists were not list as an Eligible Healthcare Provider for this RFP? | Refer to Section 1.03, Eligibility Requirements. Pharmacists are not eligible provider types for this funding opportunity. |
| Dec 16, 2025 10:30 AM | Healthcare Provider” means Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Registered Nurse (RN), and/or Physician’s Assistant (PA) Does this mean I am not able to recruit Master Level Mental Health Counselors? | Refer to Section 1.03, Eligibility Requirements. Eligible Healthcare Providers for the purpose of this RFP include Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP, Registered Nurse (RN), and Physician Assistant (PA). Other provider types are not eligible to receive funds through this RFP. |
| Dec 16, 2025 1:36 PM | Provider Recruitment and Retention: on page 3 and 4 of the RFP is where it talks about the limit being two applications – 1 in Type 1 and 1 in Type 2. Is each type per application to fund one FT provider type? Or is the intent for one submission for each type but could cover multiple FTEs. | Refer to Section 1.14. An applicant may submit only one application per type of provider per county. Applicants may submit more than one application. A single organization can apply for funding in more than one county. A single organization can apply for two positions per county in three counties for a total of 6 positions. Each application shall contain a request for funding for only one provider (one application per FTE). |
| Dec 16, 2025 3:47 PM | What's the payment schedule and clawback process for physician recruitment? | 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 anticipates providing funding via one invoice/claim per provider for the full requested and allowable amount. For the purposes of this application, Iowa HHS anticipates that organizations will be required to repay funds if the provider discontinues providing services in a Rural area prior to the end of the five year service commitment. Additional information on this will be provided at the time of contract issuance. The Agency recommends Contactors consider this requirement when developing contracts or making written agreements with eligible providers. |
| Dec 16, 2025 4:14 PM | What's the payment schedule and clawback process for physician recruitment? | 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 anticipates providing funding via one invoice/claim per provider for the full requested and allowable amount. For the purposes of this application, Iowa HHS anticipates that organizations will be required to repay funds if the provider discontinues providing services in a Rural area prior to the end of the five year service commitment. Additional information on this will be provided at the time of contract issuance. The Agency recommends Contactors consider this requirement when developing contracts or making written agreements with eligible providers. |
| Dec 16, 2025 6:23 PM | If a provider leaves before serving 5 years is the amount that must be returned prorated based on the time they filled the position? | 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. Additional information on this will be provided at the time of contract issuance. The Agency recommends Contactors consider this requirement when developing contracts or making written agreements with eligible providers. The Agency anticipates a prorated schedule for the clawback of funds. |
| Dec 16, 2025 6:24 PM | What constitutes full time for the provider. | Refer to RFP Section 2.02, Definitions. “Full-Time” service means a minimum of 40 hours per week. |
| Dec 16, 2025 6:30 PM | For the Provider Type 2, if requesting an RN position, can funding in one application be used towards more than RN? | Each application shall contain a request for only one provider (one application per provider request). |
| Dec 16, 2025 6:36 PM | Can there be a claw back provision if the provider does not fulfill 5 years. | 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 anticipates providing funding via one invoice/claim per provider for the full requested and allowable amount. For the purposes of this application, Iowa HHS anticipates that organizations will be required to repay funds if the provider discontinues providing services in a Rural area prior to the end of the five year service commitment. Additional information on this will be provided at the time of contract issuance. The Agency recommends Contactors consider this requirement when developing contracts or making written agreements with eligible providers. |
| Dec 16, 2025 7:35 PM | Does the Provider Type 2 RN have to be in direct patient care or could be a Director of Quality that supports patient care? | 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. Eligible providers must serve 1.0 FTE, providing in person clinical care full time at one or more Rural sites. |
| Dec 16, 2025 7:37 PM | Can “other provider incentives” be used for tuition reimbursement for an enrolled provider from Type 1 or Type 2? | 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. Funds for this RFP must be given directly to eligible provider types by the Contractor. |
| Dec 17, 2025 8:14 AM | What are the required metrics that need to be tracked and reported? | 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 (C), Required Reporting for anticipated metrics. Additional information on this will be provided at the time of contract issuance. |
| Dec 17, 2025 10:16 AM | Please clarify how an individual applicant is defined for this funding opportunity? Specifically, if two separate organizations within the same county, each with its own EIN, are part of the same health system, are they both eligible to apply independently?" | Two separate organizations, with separate EINs, would each be allowed to apply independently for this funding opportunity, even if part of the same health care system. Refer to Section 4, Application Evaluation Process and Criteria. The Agency will also consider geographical distribution and diversification of organizations or provider types. Geographical diversification is essential to the success of this program to ensure healthcare throughout the entire state of Iowa. Additionally, diversification in organizational affiliation and provider type increases the ability for Iowa to have sustainable rural healthcare. |
| Dec 17, 2025 10:52 AM | With the recruitment incentives, does the full budget need to go to a single provider or is it allowable for the $120,000 in maximum funding be divided between multiple providers or RNs? IE a $20,000 sign on bonus for 6 RNs. | Each application shall contain a request for only one provider (one application per provider request). The funds cannot be divided among multiple providers. The applicant may apply for up to $120,000 for a single eligible provider. |
| Dec 17, 2025 9:10 PM | Can we, as an FQHC, apply for a Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce award if our primary center location is located in an urban area but we also serve rural communities in accordance with the criteria outlined in Pub. L. No. 119-21, § 71401(d), 139 Stat. 327, 259 (2025)? | 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. Eligible providers must serve 1.0 FTE, providing in person clinical care full time at one or more Rural sites. The applicant location does not need to be in a Rural area, but the full-time, in person clinical care must occur in Rural areas. Serving Rural residents in a urban location would not an eligible use of funds under this RFP. |
| Dec 17, 2025 9:22 PM | Can we, as an FQHC, apply for a Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce award if our primary clinic location is in an urban area, but we wish to utilize the award to recruit a full-time provider who will provide one or more of the required services full time in a mobile unit in only HRSA designated 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. Eligible providers must serve 1.0 FTE, providing in person clinical care full time at one or more Rural sites. The applicant location does not need to be in a Rural area, but the full-time, in person clinical care must occur in Rural areas. Serving at Rural sites via a mobile unit would be an eligible use of funds under this RFP. Refer to Request for Proposal #PHTHORC26010, Amendment 1. In the event that a provider will serve in multiple Rural counties, the applicant shall designate the county where the provider will spend the majority of clinical practice time. |