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657614 - FY26 RFP #PHTHORC26012 for Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment
Funding Opportunity Details
HHS - Healthy Hometowns
Final Application Deadline: Apr 9, 2026 12:00 PM
Status Closed
Posted Date Feb 27, 2026 3:00 PM
Award Amount RangeNot Applicable
Project Dates 06/01/2026 - 09/30/2031
Award Announcement Date 05/22/2026
Categorical Area
Recurring Opportunity No
Program Officer Alexandra Bauman
Phone (515) 494-7250 x
Email [email protected]
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) # PHTHORC260120 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
February 27, 2026
Written Questions and Responses
Round 1 Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
March 5, 2026
March 12, 2026
Final Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
March 26, 2026
April 2, 2026
Applications Due
April 9, 2026
by 12:00 PM (noon) Local Iowa Time
Post Notice of Intent to Award
On or before
around May 22, 2026June 22, 2026
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Attachments
| Description | File Name | Type | Size | Upload Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. RFP # PHTHORC26012 Best and Brightest Workforce | A. RFP PHTHORC26012 Best and Brightest Workforce.pdf | 357 KB | 02/26/2026 01:58 PM | |
| B. HHS Application Instructions Guidance New IG.pdf | B. HHS Application Instructions_Guidance New IG.pdf | 2 MB | 02/26/2026 01:57 PM | |
| C. FY26 Best and Brightest Workforce Sample Draft Contract Terms | C. FY26 Best and Brightest Workforce Sample Draft Contract Terms.pdf | 255 KB | 02/26/2026 02:05 PM | |
| D. Amendment 1 RFP# PHTHORC26012 Best and Brightest Healthcare Workforce Recruitment | D. Amendment 1 RFP PHTHORC26012 Best and Brightest Healthcare Workforce Recruitment.pdf | 119 KB | 06/02/2026 07:57 AM |
Website links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| A. IowaGrants Registration and Login Instructions | https://dom.iowa.gov/state-government/grant-management |
| B. IowaGrants External User Training | https://rise.articulate.com/share/pfFxFFDRfA9505WWZycgael8XercrRZs#/ |
| C. IowaGrants Application Guide | https://iowadhs.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/ContractsData/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B85309CD4-FA1D-495E-BA2D-07BEEF707C5E%7D&file=d%20-%20Application%20Process%20(External%20User%20Guide).docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true |
| D. General Terms and Contingent Terms | https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/contract-terms |
| E. Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer (Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer)? to determine rurality for the purpose of this funding opportunity | https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/rural-health/rural-health-eligibility |
| F. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 3, 2026 10:18 AM | Hello, I would like to know if Mental Health entities can apply for this grant. We do not employ a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. We are licensed social workers providing mental health services to rural communities and are in a healthcare shortage area. If we are able to apply and be considered for funding, how do we proceed with the application? | Per RFP Section 1.03, eligible applicants are public, private, non-profit, academic, community-based or governmental organizations or healthcare facilities that employ Healthcare Providers who provide direct care services to patients. Mental health entities that meet all other eligibility criteria are eligible. Application content can be found within Section 3 of the RFP. |
| Mar 3, 2026 10:57 AM | Does the recruited provider have to come from a non-rural area? | Per RFP Section 2.04(B), funds may not be used for any Healthcare Provider already serving in a Rural area of Iowa at the time of the issuance of this RFP. These funds are intended to bring new Healthcare Providers to Rural Iowa. |
| Mar 3, 2026 2:40 PM | Can the recruitment funding be for two of the same positions? For example, if we would like to apply for two full-time dentists positions. Or are we required to submit for two different positions? | Per RFP Section 1.03, organizations may submit up to two applications within the same Rural County and each application must be different Provider Types from the list above in section 1.03. An applicant cannot request funding for two dentists within the same Rural County. |
| Mar 3, 2026 2:41 PM | Under mental health - could we apply for a Psychiatric NP or are therapists and Psychologist only eligible? | A psychiatric nurse practitioner would be an eligible provider type as either Provider Type 1 (ARNP) or Provider Type 2 (RN) depending on educational background a prescribing authority. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:45 AM | If a provider works 4.5 out of 5 years, would the organization be required to pay the entire grant award back to the state or a prorated amount based on the number of years worked? | 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 a prorated schedule for clawback of funds based on amount of time served. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:46 AM | If the applicant is a Sole Community Hospital with two campuses located in two different rural counties, can the applicant submit two applications for county #1 and two applications for county #2? | Organizations may submit up to two applications within the same Rural County and each application must be different Provider Types from the list in section 1.03. If a community hospital had two campuses in two different Rural counties, the organization would be eligible to submit 2 applications for county #1 and 2 applications for county #2 if all other eligibility and application requirements are met. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:46 AM | For an RN or PA application under Provider Type 2, how should applicants document that the position “provides services” in one of the eligible practice areas when the RN works across multiple units or settings? What level of specificity is expected in ”description of services” for annual reporting? | The applicant should select the eligible practice area that most closely relates to the type of care the provider will provide. If providing care across multiple units, the applicant can select the eligible practice area they anticipate the provider spending the largest proportion of their time. Annual reporting includes, but is not limited to, the data elements described in Section 2.03(C). The Agency has not yet completed reporting templates for this procurement. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:46 AM | Does “chronic disease prevention and management” include hospital based inpatient nursing roles such as med surg, ED, ICU, or care management, or is the Agency expecting primarily outpatient primary care and chronic care management settings? | Hospital-based inpatient nursing roles are eligible provider types for this procurement. The applicant should select the eligible practice area that most closely relates to the type of care the provider will provide. If providing care across multiple units, the applicant can select the eligible practice area they anticipate the provider spending the largest proportion of their time. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:46 AM | For provider type 7, what documentation is required to prove the technician “supports cancer care”? For example, would a radiologic technologist who supports oncology imaging and general imaging qualify and what percent of time must be cancer related? | For Provider Type 7, a radiologic technologist who supports oncology imaging and general imaging would be an eligible provider type. The Agency recognizes that in Rural areas, it may not be possible to fill a complete full time position technician specific on cancer care. The technician must be able to provide oncology related imaging when it is needed at the Rural location. A specific percentage of time spent on cancer care will not be required. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:47 AM | What evidence is required for “begin practicing within the Rural area before September 30, 2027.” Is a signed employment agreement sufficient, or is the Agency expecting proof of start date such as payroll record or credentialing and privileging effective date? | 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 requiring a pay stub copy or payroll record as evidence of start date. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:47 AM | Please clarify the non-compete requirement. Does the Agency require confirmation that the provider is not subject to any non-compete anywhere, or only that they are not restricted from working in our rural practice site? What documentation is required? | The healthcare provider receiving funds must work full time, in person within a Rural area for a minimum of five years. The organization providing the funds to the provider and ensuring the full-time practice requirement cannot subject the Healthcare provider to a non-compete requirement. Evidence of this should be provided via a copy of a signed offer letter than indicates the provider is not subject to a non-compete agreement. |
| Mar 4, 2026 9:47 AM | What form of “evidence that the provider has agreed to serve in a Rural area in Iowa for five years” is acceptable? E.g. an incentive agreement, employment agreement language, a separate attestation, or all of the above. | The Agency will accept any form of signed and fully executed agreement between the organization receiving the funds and the Healthcare Provider. The Agency will require repayment from the organization if the provider fails to fulfill the five-year commitment. The Agency recommends that organizations consult their own legal counsel or compliance team for guidance on how to recoup funds from healthcare providers. |
| Mar 4, 2026 1:30 PM | Are CRNAs eligible? | A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist would be an eligible provider type under Provider Type 2 (registered nurse). Please see RFP Section 1.03. |
| Mar 4, 2026 1:34 PM | If applying for Provider Type 1 - Does the application have to specify MD vs DO? Or can the application be written for one MD or DO in the specified area of practice? | Applicants applying for Provider Type 1 do not need to specify if the provider will be a "DO" or "MD". The application can be written for one MD or DO in a specified area of practice. |
| Mar 5, 2026 7:41 AM | If an applicant serves and has facilities in multiple rural counties, can the applicant submit up to two applications for each rural county where the application has a physical presence? | Organizations may submit up to two applications within the same Rural County. If an applicant has practice sites in multiple Rural counties, the organization would be eligible to submit up to 2 applications for each county where direct person care will be provided. |
| Mar 5, 2026 1:15 PM | We have a question regarding the Best and Brightest - Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Grant. Pocahontas Community Hospital assists in the recruitment of providers for the UnityPoint Health Clinic which is attached to our hospital. We assist by providing funding directly to the providers as a recruitment incentive because of the direct impact providers in our local clinics have in our hospital and the patients we serve. Pocahontas Community Hospital does not actually employ the physicians, but we do have a contract with them to provide care in our hospital and emergency room and attached clinic. These physicians are actually employed by UnityPoint Health who rents the attached clinic from the hospital. Pocahontas Community Hospital does have a recruitment agreement with the physician requiring them to work in our hospital and the local clinic. Since we do not employ the physician are we still eligible to apply for this funding? | Per Section 1.03, eligible applicants are public, private, non-profit, academic, community-based or governmental organizations or healthcare facilities that employ Healthcare Providers who provide direct care services to patients. For the purposes of this procurement, the organization that actually employs the healthcare provider would be the entity eligible to apply. |
| Mar 5, 2026 6:35 PM | How is psychologist defined? Are therapists, counselors, and social workers that provide behavioral and mental health care included? | Psychologists must be licensed to practice psychology in Iowa. Psychology professionals are regulated by Iowa Code Chapter 154B. The definition of a certified health service provider in psychology can be found within Iowa Code 154B.7. |
| Mar 6, 2026 1:39 PM | Would a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) qualify for this funding? | Per Section 1.03, eligible Healthcare Providers must provide services in one of more of the following areas of practice: maternal/child health, cancer, cardiovascular health, mental/behavioral health, and/or chronic disease prevention and management (which includes primary care Healthcare Providers). IF the DPM provided services in one of these areas, that doctor would be eligible. |
| Mar 6, 2026 1:39 PM | Would a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) qualify for this funding? | Per Section 1.03, eligible Healthcare Providers must provide services in one of more of the following areas of practice: maternal/child health, cancer, cardiovascular health, mental/behavioral health, and/or chronic disease prevention and management (which includes primary care Healthcare Providers). IF the DPM provided services in one of these areas, that doctor would be eligible. |
| Mar 6, 2026 5:03 PM | If we currently rent equipment and are awarded this grant, can those funds be used to purchase that equipment? | With reference to Funding Opportunity #657580 (Best and Brightest Medical Equipment), successful applicants are not allowed to supplant existing sources of funds. If the rented equipment is currently budgeted, the funds provided through this procurement could not be used to supplant the funds already used to provide these services. |
| Mar 9, 2026 2:15 PM | Does the position for which the applicant is recruiting need to be a brand-new posting or can it be a position that is already posted at the time of application (i.e., April 2026)? For example, it is not unusual for OB and primary care positions to be posted perpetually. | These funds can be used for the recruitment of providers via already existing job postings. If the job posting indicates a hiring bonus or incentive, that amount of money would still need to be provided through the originally intended funding source. The funds provided through this opportunity cannot supplant existing sources of funds. If a provider has already agreed to fill the position without the hiring bonus, that provider would not be eligible to receive these funds. |
| Mar 9, 2026 2:17 PM | Can the applicant apply for funding for a position that is posted today? If yes, can the applicant begin interviewing candidates before June 1, 2026? | These funds can be used for the recruitment of providers via already existing job postings. If the job posting indicates a hiring bonus or incentive, that amount of money would still need to be provided through the originally intended funding source. The funds provided through this opportunity cannot supplant existing sources of funds. If a provider has already agreed to fill the position without the hiring bonus, that provider would not be eligible to receive these funds. Interviews could begin before June 1, 2026. However, if a provider agrees to serve in the rural area without the funds provided through this funding opportunity, funds could not be used to recruit that provider. |
| Mar 9, 2026 2:19 PM | Would an inpatient, acute care hospitalist be considered a provider whose practice area is "chronic disease prevention and management"? | Per Section 1.03, eligible Healthcare Providers must provide services in one of more of the following areas of practice: maternal/child health, cancer, cardiovascular health, mental/behavioral health, and/or chronic disease prevention and management (which may include primary care). An inpatient, acute care hospitalist could be considered a provider who practices in chronic disease prevention and management. The application should describe this. |
| Mar 9, 2026 3:39 PM | To clarify, if an organization submits two separate applications for two different provider types they could potentially receive up to $120,000 for EACH provider type, i.e. up to $240,000 total? | Correct. If an organization submits two separate applications for two different provider types they could potentially receive up to $120,000 for EACH provider type, i.e. up to $240,000 total. |
| Mar 9, 2026 3:43 PM | Can funds be used to incentivize a provider currently working at a rural organization to remain at that organization or can it only be used to recruit a new provider? | No, per RFP Section 2.04(B), funds may not be used for any Healthcare Provider already serving in a Rural area of Iowa at the time of the issuance of this RFP. These funds are intended to bring new Healthcare Providers to Rural Iowa. |
| Mar 9, 2026 4:52 PM | Are salaries or a portion of the salary for a new provider to get the position established an eligible expense if we can provide that we can sustain the position beyond grant funding? | These funds are for recruiting 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. The funds provided through this RFP cannot be used for the salary of the new provider. The funds must be given to the provider as a recruitment incentive. |
| Mar 10, 2026 9:48 AM | If recruitment efforts are unsuccessful at the end of the performance period, will recruitment funds be required to be returned to HHS? | Funds for this procurement will not be provided to successful applicants until a healthcare provider is successfully recruited. If recruited, healthcare providers receiving funds must work full time, in person within a Rural area for a minimum of five years. The Agency will require repayment from the organization if the provider fails to fulfill the five year committement. The Agency recommends that organizations consult their own legal counsel or compliance team for guidance on how to recoup funds from healthcare providers. The Agency anticipates the return of funds to be prorated based on the amount of time served. ''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 |
| Mar 11, 2026 9:42 AM | Which Provider Type would a PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) fall under, Type 1 or Type 6? And if it is Type 1 and we received a grant in the first wave for a MD/DO for a primary care clinic, since our intentions would be to have this PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) be employed in our new behavioral health clinic, would that be a permitted use if the grant was submitted and reviewed? | A psychiatric nurse practitioner would be an eligible provider type as either Provider Type 1 (ARNP) or Provider Type 2 (RN) depending on educational background a prescribing authority. If the nurse practitioner is also a licensed psychologist to practice in Iowa as described by Iowa Code Chapter 154B, the provider could be considered Type 6. The definition of a certified health service provider in psychology can be found within Iowa Code 154B.7. Recipients of Best and Brightest Workforce Development RFP#PHTHORC26010 awards will not be eligible to apply for the same Provider Type as received in RFP #PHTHORC26010. Awardees of RFP#PHTHORC26010 can apply for additional Provider Types. |
| Mar 12, 2026 8:46 AM | The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) states that physical therapy is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care. Would a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) be considered allowable under Provider Type 7? | No, a physical therapist would not be considered a technician (provider type 7) for the purpose of this procurement. |
| Mar 12, 2026 9:10 AM | In Part 4: Operational Readiness, there is a question that states: Provide a timeline of all major steps needed for the procurement, installation, and operationalization of the piece of equipment. The timeline should include dates and the person(s) in charge. Will this question be removed from the application, or can we respond with N/A? | The question has been removed from the application. |
| Mar 12, 2026 12:36 PM | Can you elaborate on eligible hiring incentives. What "other forms of hiring incentives", as mentioned in the application, would be approved in addition to relocation and hiring bonus? What about housing incentives? We understand educational incentives are ineligible. | The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # PHTHORC26012 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. Funds must be provided directly to the healthcare provider. Describing the funds as a housing incentive would be allowable. |
| Mar 16, 2026 11:56 AM | Can an organization submit one grant application for RN recruitment and disperse the 125K between multiple nurses to fill more positions? | Organizations may submit up to two applications within the same Rural county and each application must be different Provider Types from the list in section 1.03. Organizations may submit an application for an incentive for one nurse. The funds cannot be split between multiple nursing positions. Up to $120,000 is provided per eligible provider. |
| Mar 16, 2026 3:24 PM | Is a signed participation agreement with the Iowa HIE enough to attest to participating in the application? Since Iowa is moving through a transition of who will be contracted as the HIE for Iowa, we are reviewing the new agreement. | A signed participation agreement is acceptable evidence for the purpose of this procurement application. |
| Mar 17, 2026 10:54 AM | A previous question notes that the hire must be after the RFP date, February 27. If we are currently negotiating with a new hire for the provider type we apply for, that provider would be eligible, correct? | If the provider is willing to accept the position without funds provided through this procurement and an offer letter has already been signed, this provider would not be eligible. If funds are already available for a hiring bonus or any recruitment incentive by the applicant and were previously eligible by the Applicant for this purpose, these funds could not supplant what has already been budgeted. Additionally, no grant funds can be obligated prior to receiving a signed contract for this award. However, if all other award eligibility criteria are met, the awardee follows all cost restriction limitations from CMS and the agency, the applicant can prove that these funds are needed to successfully recruit this provider; it may be possible that a provider currently interviewing for a position could be eligible for this award. |
| Mar 17, 2026 10:55 AM | If a provider signs for 5 years per the contract term but due to unforeseen circumstances leaves within the 5 years, would the awardee be required to pay back the funds even though they were most likely paid out as a recruiting tool? | 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. 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. The Agency recommends Contactors consider this requirement when developing contracts or making written agreements with eligible providers. The Agency anticipates the amount of funds to pay back to be prorated based on the amount of time the person served in the area, as long as this is approved by CMS. Additionally, the Agency will consider extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis, as determined by CMS. |
| Mar 20, 2026 7:32 AM | Section 2.03 references recruitment bonuses, relocation costs, and ‘other provider incentives.’ Would the following, when paid directly to the recruited provider, qualify as eligible uses of funds: (1) a housing stipend or housing establishment allowance, (2) childcare assistance as part of a recruitment incentive package, and (3) tuition reimbursement for a provider currently completing their final year of licensure-qualifying education, provided they meet all licensure requirements prior to September 30, 2027? | Successful applicants will need to demonstrate that they have paid the funds directly to the provider. The provider could then choose to use the funds for these stated purposes. Note that funds will only be provided to the successful applicant organization after the individual has started working. |
| Mar 20, 2026 7:32 AM | If an awarded organization undergoes a change in ownership or organizational restructuring during the contract period, what is the Agency’s process for addressing contract continuity, and would the new or successor organization be required to reapply or renegotiate the contract terms? | The Agency would work with awarded organizations on a case by case basis to address an issue such as this. The process may vary based on a number of factors unknown to the Agency at this time. |
| Mar 23, 2026 2:16 PM | Can a hospital use funds from this RFP for one of our current employees who is taking steps to become a certified Radiation Therapist? They are not currently working as a radiation therapist at our facality. | No, per RFP Section 2.04(B), funds may not be used for any Healthcare Provider already serving in a Rural area of Iowa at the time of the issuance of this RFP. These funds are intended to bring new Healthcare Providers to Rural Iowa. |
| Mar 25, 2026 9:16 AM | Our providers cover at other sites when necessary (covering peer PTO, etc.). Is the recruited provider able to occasionally provide services at other non-rural locations for our organization? | Providers receiving these funds must work in-Person, Full Time within a Rural area of Iowa for a minimum of five years. “Full-Time” service means a minimum of 40 hours per week. The Applicant must demonstrate that the position is full-time. The provider would only be able to provide service at a non-Rural location if the provider was working more than 40 hours per week for that time period. |
| Mar 25, 2026 9:17 AM | Does a salary differential (i.e. base pay salary + annual amount toward location differential) qualify as a grant funded incentive, or is that considered part of the provider’s salary? | Grant funds may not be supplanted with dollars already budgeted for a purpose. The funds may be used for recruitment bonuses, relocation costs, and other provider incentives. If the applicant can demonstrate that the salary differential is not supplanting previously budgeted-for funds, the funds are paid directly to the provider at one time, and the funds are spent by September 30, 2027; it may be allowable. The Applicant may only bill the agency once for an award. |
| Mar 25, 2026 9:17 AM | Would our current providers working in an urban location be eligible to apply for transfer to our rural location and receive grant incentives? | Yes, if a provider is new to practicing in a Rural area, will serve in-person, full time at the Rural site for a minimum of five years, and meets all other grant eligibility requirements, they could be eligible for these funds. |
| Mar 25, 2026 4:43 PM | Would a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) qualify for this funding? | No, a Doctor of Physical Therapy is not an eligible provider type for this funding opportunity. |
| Mar 26, 2026 12:09 PM | Can a Best and Brightest Workforce Recruitment awardee from the first opportunity apply for funding.in the second funding cycle due 4/9//26? | Yes, refer to section 1.03 of the RFP: Recipients of Best and Brightest Workforce Development RFP#PHTHORC26010 awards will not be eligible to apply for the same Provider Type as received in RFP #PHTHORC26010. Awardees of RFP#PHTHORC26010 can apply for additional Provider Types. Priority points will be awarded to organizations that did not receive an award under RFP#PHTHORC26010. |
| Mar 26, 2026 4:36 PM | Are we able to use funding from this grant to hire contracted staff that already work at our facility but are not technically employed by us? | No, per RFP Section 2.04(B), funds may not be used for any Healthcare Provider already serving in a Rural area of Iowa at the time of the issuance of this RFP. These funds are intended to bring new Healthcare Providers to Rural Iowa. |
| Mar 26, 2026 4:46 PM | Can the incentive be split over the period of five years? (For example: $120,000 incentive. Upon signing, $20,000 of that figure will be administered. After one year of service, another $20,000 will be administered. After two years of service, another $20,000 will be administered (so on and so forth).) | No, all funds for this procurement must be spent by 9/30/2027. Following this date, unspent funds will be returned to CMS. Iowa HHS will receive and approve one invoice per contract for this award, following the start date of the recruited provider. |
| Mar 26, 2026 4:48 PM | Is the five-year commitment to be served at one institution? Or is the requirement that the provider serve for five years in rurally-qualifying locations? And if the latter, is that rurally-qualifying location restricted to the county? | The five-year commitment must be served at Rural location(s) but does not necessarily need to be completed at one location. The Agency will consider transfers of providers to different counties on a case by case basis if the issue arises. |
| Mar 26, 2026 4:55 PM | Regarding section 1.14 Multiple Applications within the guidance, it states that institutions are limited to one application per type of provider per county. What does that mean for multiple providers in one county? For example, if an institution demonstrates a need for a provider type 2 (RN) and provider type 3 (Pharmacist) in the same county, as the guidance reads, that would require separate applications. However, if the institution sought two type 2 providers (RN), would that require separate applications? Or would both type 2 providers (RN) be on one application? | Organizations may submit up to two applications within the same Rural county and each application must be different Provider Types from the list above. If an organization is requesting an RN and a pharmacist, they would submit two applications. An organization cannot submit applications for two RNs to serve in the same county under this procurement opportunity. |