657506 - FY26-Round 2 RFP BHTHPTR26113 for Opioid Settlement Funding
Funding Opportunity Details
Substance Misuse Prevention & Treatment (Behavioral Health)
Final Application Deadline: May 14, 2026 4:00 PM
Status Closed
Posted Date Apr 13, 2026 11:07 AM
Award Amount RangeNot Applicable
Project Dates 06/30/2026 - 06/29/2028
Award Announcement Date 06/17/2026
Categorical Area
Recurring Opportunity No
Program Officer Shaun Myers
Phone (515) 281-7689 x
Email Shaun.Myers@hhs.iowa.gov
Description
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) #BHTHPTR26113 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 conduct opioid abatement strategies. Applicants may apply to provide any service allowed by Iowa law, that is supported and referenced in the menu of approved opioid abatement strategies and uses, outlined in the national opioid settlements Exhibit E. List of Opioid Remediation Uses.
Schedule of Important Dates (All times and dates listed are local Iowa time.)
The following dates are set forth for informational purposes. The Agency reserves the right to change them.
EVENT
DATE
RFP Issued
April 13, 2026
Written Questions and Responses
Round 1 Questions Due by 4:00 PM CT:
Responses Posted by 4:00 PM CT:
April 17, 2026
April 21, 2026
Final Questions Due by 4:00 PM CT:
Responses Posted by 4:00 PM CT:
April 24, 2026
April 28, 2026
Applications Due by 4:00 PM CT
May 14, 2026
Post Notice of Intent to Award
June 16, 2026
| Description | File Name | Type | Size | Upload Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. RFP # BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding | A. RFP BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding.pdf | 466 KB | 04/13/2026 11:16 AM | |
| B. HHS Application Instructions Guidance New IG | B. HHS Application Instructions_Guidance New IG.pdf | 2 MB | 02/23/2026 10:57 AM | |
| C. RFP # BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding Draft Contract | C. RFP BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding Draft Contract.pdf | 288 KB | 03/31/2026 03:42 PM | |
| D. RFP # BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding Draft Application Score Tool | D. RFP BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding Draft Application Score Tool.pdf | 258 KB | 04/13/2026 11:04 AM | |
| E. Exhibit E. The List of Opioid Remediation Uses | E. Exhibit E. The List of Opioid Remediation Uses.pdf | 218 KB | 02/23/2026 10:57 AM | |
| F. OSF RH GRANT PROCUREMENT PROTOCOL.FINAL | F. OSF RH GRANT PROCUREMENT PROTOCOL.FINAL.pdf | 131 KB | 03/10/2026 01:07 PM | |
| G. RFP BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding Amendment 1 | G. RFP BHTHPTR26113 FY26- Round 2 Opioid Settlement Funding Amendment 1.docx | docx | 68 KB | 05/06/2026 03:49 PM |
| 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. Behavioral Health Services System District Map | https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/14863/download?inline |
| Submitted Date | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 13, 2026 2:01 PM | Q1: Reference: Section 2.04(B), Cost Restrictions; Section 2.04(C), Budget; and Attachment F, OSF Expenditure Documentation Protocol – Recovery Housing. Our organization proposes to establish a NARR-certified peer recovery housing network consisting of three residential properties in Clinton, Iowa — two long-term recovery homes (one men's, one women's) and one recovery respite home for individuals in crisis or awaiting treatment placement. OSF funds would cover staffing, operations, utilities, and peer recovery support programming delivered within the homes. Our question: Are OSF funds under this RFP allowable for the purchase of real property (residential homes) to be used as NARR-certified peer recovery housing, or are property acquisition costs restricted under the equipment definition (Section 2.02: any single item with a cost or value of $5,000 or more)? | A1: Opioid Settlement Funding can be used to support the purchase of recovery housing residential properties, as long as the organization meets all of the established eligibility requirements. In addition, any property purchased and/or renovated using funding provided must be maintained and contracted to provide services for a minimum of five years beginning on the date of initial NARR certification or in the case NARR certification does not apply, from the date of the property purchase or completion of renovations. In the case this term is not met, the Contractor will be required to reimburse funding at a percentage equal to the months remaining of the required five years. |
| Apr 14, 2026 10:21 AM | Q2: Could you clarify whether the two-year organizational experience requirement is strictly tied to the legal entity itself, or whether relevant experience of the leadership team and key staff may also be considered? i.e. is there any flexibility for organizations that are newly established, but can demonstrate relevant expertise, strong partnerships, and readiness to expand access to services? I understand the desire to prioritize demonstrated capacity, but this criterion may unintentionally exclude newer organizations who are well-positioned to expand access and contribute innovative approaches to opioid misuse remediation. | A2: An “organization” must have two years of experience providing the proposed service. Please refer to Exhibit E. to determine if the experience of your organization aligns with the identified core strategies and/or approved uses for opioid settlement funding. |
| Apr 16, 2026 1:25 PM | Q3: This question references Section 2.01 (Background) and Exhibit E, Schedule B, Section F-4. Does a structured, evidence-based pain management coaching program qualify as an eligible service under Exhibit E, Schedule B, Section F-4 ("non-opioid pain treatment alternatives, including training providers to offer or refer to multi-modal, evidence-informed treatment of pain")? Specifically, the program in question is a 12-month telephonic coaching intervention grounded in pain neuroscience, motivational interviewing, and behavioral activation that has demonstrated reductions in opioid initiation and support for opioid tapering in peer-reviewed research. Would this program be considered an allowable opioid abatement strategy under this RFP? | A3: Please refer to Exhibit E. to determine if the proposed activity aligns with the identified core strategies and/or approved uses for opioid settlement funding. All proposed activities must be supported with a demonstration of need and explanation of how the service will expand opioid related services. |
| Apr 16, 2026 1:26 PM | Q4: This question references Section 1.03 (Eligibility Requirements). For non-Iowa-based organizations applying under the alternative eligibility pathway, what specific documentation is required to demonstrate at least two years of experience providing services aligned with Exhibit E? For example, would peer-reviewed published research, VA outcome reports, client records summaries, or prior contracts with other state agencies satisfy this requirement? Additionally, what does "agree to continue providing the full scope of awarded services for a minimum of two consecutive years following the end of the contract term" require in practice — is this a written attestation in the application, or a separate contractual commitment? | A4: No specifically identified documents are required. Applicants are expected to provide the documentation they feel adequately demonstrates experience with the specified services. The expectation of service provision for two years beyond the contract term will be a contractual obligation. |
| Apr 16, 2026 1:26 PM | Q5: This question references Section 3.02, Project Work Plan Form (Demonstrated Collaboration). The application requires documentation from at least three collaborating organizations. Must each organization provide a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), or is a letter of support sufficient to satisfy this requirement? If both are acceptable, will applications with MOAs be scored more favorably than those with letters of support? Additionally, is there a required format or minimum content for either document? | A5: Signed letters of support on collaborating organizations letterhead are acceptable, as well as executed Memorandums of Agreement. There is no preference as to which form of documentation is provided, nor is there a preferred format or minimum content. |
| Apr 16, 2026 1:27 PM | Q6: This question references Section 1.04 (Service Delivery Area) and Section 3.02, Project Work Plan Form (Gaps and Needs). For programs delivered entirely via telephone and video — with no physical office requirement for service recipients — how should the service delivery area be defined in the work plan? May an applicant designate all seven Iowa Behavioral Health and Disability Services System districts as the catchment area, given that telephonic delivery removes geographic barriers? Or must the applicant limit the proposed service area to specific districts or counties? | A6: Proposed service area must be outlined by the applicant. Proposing service to all districts is allowable. |
| Apr 16, 2026 1:28 PM | Q7: This question references Section 2.04, B.4.l (Cost Restrictions). Section 2.04 B.4.l requires recipients to utilize third-party reimbursements and other revenue sources first, reserving OSF funds for individuals not covered by public or commercial insurance. Pain management coaching is not currently a covered benefit under Medicare, Medicaid, or most commercial insurance plans. In this context, would OSF funds be allowable as the primary funding source for coaching services provided to individuals who have insurance but whose insurance does not cover this specific service? Or would applicants be required to pursue insurance coverage pathways before billing OSF funds? | A7: The service provided must align with Exhibit E. For qualifying services, the funds provided through this Request for Proposal are considered a payer of last resort. If an individual’s insurance covers the service, that must be used. If the individual does not have insurance coverage or coverage does not extend to that service, this funding would be appropriate. |
| Apr 16, 2026 1:29 PM | Q8: This question references Section 4.02 (Scoring of Applications) and Exhibit E, Schedule B. The RFP permits applicants to propose any service supported by Exhibit E. Under the Proposed Project scoring criteria (maximum 40 points), is preference given to applications that address multiple Exhibit E strategies, or is a focused, single-strategy application scored equally competitively provided it demonstrates strong evidence base, clear goals, and measurable outcomes? | A8: Preference is not given to specific strategies or the number of strategies identified in an application. |
| Apr 17, 2026 9:38 AM | Q9: Is this grant opportunity open for entities that received funds from round one opioid settlement funding? | A9: Please refer to sections 1.03, 1.14 and 4.02 of the RFP. |
| Apr 17, 2026 9:38 AM | Q10: Is this grant opportunity open for entities that received funds from round one opioid settlement funding? | A10: Same as Q9 answer. |
| Apr 17, 2026 9:38 AM | Q11: Is this grant opportunity open for entities that received funds from round one opioid settlement funding? | A11: Same as Q9 answer. |
| Apr 17, 2026 1:39 PM | Q12: The RFP says, "• OSF grant funds may not be used for the improvement or renovation of leased property." Can grant funds be used for capital renovation of owned property? | A12: Yes. Please refer to Exhibit E. to determine if the proposed activity aligns with the identified core strategies and/or approved uses for opioid settlement funding. All proposed activities must be supported with a demonstration of need and explanation of how the service will expand opioid-related services. |
| Apr 17, 2026 1:41 PM | Q13: Is there a preference for grant funds to be used for services/programs vs. capital projects? | A13: No preference is given dependent on program type. Please refer to Exhibit E. to determine if the proposed activity aligns with the identified core strategies and/or approved uses for opioid settlement funding. |
| Apr 17, 2026 1:42 PM | Q14: If capital projects are allowed, is there a preference for new construction, vs. buying, vs. renovation? | A14: No preference is given dependent on program type. Please refer to Exhibit E. to determine if the proposed activity aligns with the identified core strategies and/or approved uses for opioid settlement funding. |
| Apr 17, 2026 1:49 PM | Q15: Does the amount requested impact scoring (Would a lower dollar request score higher than a higher dollar request)? | A15: No preference is given dependent on program cost. Please refer to Exhibit E. to determine if the proposed activity aligns with the identified core strategies and/or approved uses for opioid settlement funding. |
| Apr 17, 2026 3:15 PM | 1.) How does the State define “successful recovery support outcomes” for peer-driven programs? 2.) Within eligible services, are certain approaches (peer-led, reentry, workforce integration) weighted more heavily in scoring? 3.) Are non-traditional outcomes such as recovery capital, connection, and reduced isolation considered valid performance measures? | A16: 1) Outcomes should be defined and justified as part of the program proposed in the application. 2) No preference is given dependent on program type. Please refer to Exhibit E. to determine if the proposed activity aligns with the identified core strategies and/or approved uses for opioid settlement funding. 3) Outcomes should be defined and justified as part of the program proposed in the application. |
| Apr 21, 2026 4:38 PM | We anticipate requesting funding for one or more dedicated staff positions to carry out opioid‑focused activities such as Opioid Use Disorder prevention, MOUD adherence support, post‑discharge follow‑up, and recovery care coordination aligned with Exhibit E opioid abatement strategies. If these staff serve a mixed substance use disorder caseload, with opioid use disorder as a defined and reported priority population, may grant funds support the full staff position, or would reimbursement be limited only to the portion of staff time spent serving individuals who have an opioid use disorder or history of using opioids? | Opioid settlement funds can be used to support staff positions as long as it is clear that all activities are identified and align with the core strategies and/or approved uses of opioid settlement funds as found in Exhibit E. Proposals must clearly illustrate both the need and how their proposal is intended impact related to mitigating the impacts of opioids for individuals, families, and / or communities. Individuals provided direct clinical services must have an opioid use disorder or clear history of opioid use. |
| Apr 22, 2026 1:05 PM | Can the funding be used to purchase a property? | Yes. Opioid Settlement Funding may be used to support the purchase of property, as long as the organization meets established eligibility requirements. |
| Apr 22, 2026 1:07 PM | If we receive funding for a property either to purchase or renovate already owned, do we have to stay in the property for a certain amount of time? | Yes. Any property purchased and/or renovated using funding from this opportunity Iowa HHS’ anticipates contractual requirements to maintain and continue to provide services for a minimum of five years beginning on the date of property purchase or completion of renovations. In the case this term is not met, the Contractor will be required to reimburse funding at a percentage equal to the months remaining of the required five years. Please see draft contract language Section 1.11 – Additional Terms posted as part of this funding opportunity for language. |
| Apr 22, 2026 1:09 PM | Will there be a third round of funding available to apply for in the future? If so, is there a timeline? | No further funding is anticipated for release by Iowa HHS in FY26. FY27 planning for opioid settlement funding is in process. |
| Apr 23, 2026 10:10 AM | The RFP says that the anticipated base term of the contract is one (1) year, beginning June 30, 2026, and ending June 29, 2027. The anticipated Contract Term is from June 30, 2026, to June 29, 2028. The Agency reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the contract for an additional one (1) year term, for a maximum possible term of two (2) years, ending June 29, 2028. Should applicants propose to use the total budget over one year or the total budget over two years? | Proposed projects and budgets should reflect a one-year time frame. |
| Apr 24, 2026 2:37 PM | Can I see my scoring tool from my previous application to assist with completing this application? | To request previous application scores or notes, you can submit a Freedom of Information Act Request at hhsopenrecords@hhs.iowa.gov. |
| Apr 24, 2026 3:37 PM | The RFP states that OSF grant funds may not be used for out-of-state travel unless approved by the Agency. Can you clarify how approval for out-of-state travel is determined? Our organization conducts two annual out-of-state trainings that are essential to staff job duties. Should these be included and justified in our proposal, or would that negatively affect our proposal? | Out of state travel is considered on a case-by-case basis. A primary consideration is the applicability of the travel to the proposed program and funding priorities of the RFP. If out-of-state travel is part of the proposed project and budget, it should be included as part of the application. |
