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673235 - FY27 RFP PHTHOET27002 High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport
Funding Opportunity Details
Healthy Hometowns
Final Application Deadline: Sep 1, 2026 12:00 PM
Status Posted
Posted Date Jul 14, 2026 4:11 PM
Award Amount RangeNo Limit - No Limit
Project Dates 10/31/2026 - 09/30/2031
Award Announcement Date 10/16/2026
Categorical Area
Recurring Opportunity No
Program Officer Allan Olney
Phone (515) 650-9693 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) # PHTHOET27002 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 implement the High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport Initiative. This initiative will strengthen Iowa’s emergency maternal and neonatal care system by funding equipment purchases, non-reimbursable clinical services, workforce initiatives, continuing education and training.
This procurement is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling approximately $209,040,063.71 over a five-year period with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Iowa’s year two award for this program is anticipated by October 31, 2026 and budget amounts could change at that time. All activities presented within this RFP, including access to funds, are subject to CMS approval of the Agency’s year 2 budget.
This work implements a portion of the EMS Community Care Mobile 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 following dates are set forth for informational purposes. The Agency reserves the right to change them.
EVENT
DATE
RFP Issued
July 14, 2026
Written Questions and Responses
Round 1 Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
July 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM
August 3, 2026
Round 2/Final Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
August 17, 2026, by 4:00 PM
August 24, 2026
Applications Due
September 1, 2026 by 12:00 PM Local Iowa Time
Post Notice of Intent to Award
On or around October 16, 2026
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Attachments
| Description | File Name | Type | Size | Upload Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A - RFP # PHTHOET27002 High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport | A - RFP PHTHOET27002 High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport.pdf | 472 KB | 07/13/2026 02:11 PM | |
| B - Work Plan Formatting Specifications | B - Work Plan Formatting Specifications.pdf | 100 KB | 07/13/2026 02:13 PM | |
| C - HHS Application Instructions Guidance (IowaGrants) | C - HHS Application Instructions Guidance IowaGrants.pdf | 2 MB | 07/13/2026 02:14 PM | |
| D - PHTHOET27002 High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport Sample Draft Contract | D - PHTHOET27002 High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport Sample Draft Contract.pdf | 418 KB | 07/13/2026 02:15 PM | |
| E - Iowa HHS District Map | E - Iowa HHS District Map.pdf | 670 KB | 07/13/2026 02:16 PM | |
| F - RFP # PHTHOET27002 Amendment 1 | F - RFP PHTHOET27002 Amendment 1.pdf | 129 KB | 08/03/2026 03:04 PM |
Website links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| A. IowaGrants Registration and Login Instructions | https://dom.iowa.gov/state-government/grant-management |
| B. General Terms and Contingent Terms | https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/contract-terms |
| C. Iowa HHS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) | Health & Human Services | https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-rht |
| D. CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program | CMS | https://www.cms.gov/priorities/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/overview |
| E. Evidence Based and Evidence Informed Telehealth Resources - Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Telehealth Best Practices guides Best practice guides | Telehealth.HHS.gov | https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides |
| F. Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) Library Telehealth 101: What libraries need to know | NNLM | https://www.nnlm.gov/training/class-catalog/telehealth-101-what-libraries-need-know |
| G. Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) Library Telehealth 101 A Getting Started Guide | https://libraries.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/Library-Telehealth-101-Getting-Started.pdf |
| Submitted Date | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 27, 2026 11:01 AM | How do you define “EMS clinician”? | For purposes of this RFP, an “EMS Clinician” is defined as an individual who is credentialed by an Iowa Authorized EMS Service to perform emergency medical care within the scope of the service’s state‑approved EMS authorization level. This includes EMS personnel who hold valid Iowa EMS credentials, as well as individuals who are formally approved by the service under Iowa’s RN Exception, Physician Associate (PA) Exception, or Physician Exception, as authorized under applicable Iowa law and administrative rule. Any clinician performing work under this RFP must meet all applicable Iowa EMS regulatory requirements, operate in accordance with the applicable exception and service policies, and be rostered with the EMS service responsible for carrying out the High‑Risk OB and Neonatal Transport initiative. |
| Jul 27, 2026 11:02 AM | Part 2.03.D (page 25): what does “procure” mean specifically? What if supply chain issues delay delivery of a certain product? | In Part 2.03.D, “procure” means that the Contractor must purchase, acquire, or otherwise secure access to the required equipment listed in the RFP and ensure it is available for use in High‑Risk OB and Neonatal Transport operations. The requirement is intended to ensure readiness and the ability to provide safe, high‑quality transports. If supply‑chain delays affect delivery timelines for certain items, the Contractor should document the delay, maintain communication with the vendor, and notify the Agency as part of routine reporting. The Agency understands that supply‑chain issues can occur and will work with Contractors to ensure compliance as long as procurement efforts were initiated in good faith and documented appropriately. The expectation is that Contractors begin procurement promptly (following the execution of a contract if awarded) and demonstrate ongoing progress toward securing all required equipment. |
| Jul 27, 2026 11:02 AM | Can the Department clarify the cost restriction statement on page 26? Given that this project would require the renovation or modification of an ambulance or vehicle to host the specialized equipment needed for monitoring and safety of neonates and pregnant women, does the restriction (“refurbishment”) in B.a eliminate the ability to perform such modifications that would be necessary? | The cost restriction in Section 2.04(B)(a) prohibits the use of grant funds for the renovation, refurbishment, modification, or upgrade of an ambulance, vehicle, or any other transport platform. This means that while Contractors may purchase and install Agency‑approved OB and neonatal transport equipment, they may not use RHTP funding to alter or modify the vehicle itself (e.g., structural changes, cabinetry, interior rebuilds, or vehicle‑based retrofits). If certain OB or neonatal‑specific items require mounting or installation, that type of equipment installation is allowable, but vehicle renovation or refurbishment is not. |
| Jul 27, 2026 11:03 AM | Can any unused funds from one year be carried over to the following year? (Ex. if used to hire staff or contractors and they aren’t hired until the end of the fiscal year, can unused funds be carried over into the following year) | No. Unused funds from one contract year cannot automatically be carried over into the following year. Each contract year’s funding must be spent within the timeframe specified in the RFP and contract, and unspent funds at the end of a budget period cannot roll over without an amendment issued by the Agency. If delays occur—such as hiring staff or contractors later than anticipated—the Contractor should communicate with the Agency. Any adjustments to spending timelines or availability of funds in subsequent years would require Agency review and approval through the annual amendment process, subject to CMS Rural Health Transformation Program funding rules and the Agency’s discretion. Under no circumstances can funds from one budget year carry forward beyond September 30 of the following fiscal year. For example, funds for the budget year 10/31/2026 - 10/30/2027 will become unavailable to contractors following 9/30/2028. |
| Jul 27, 2026 1:29 PM | On page 34 of the RFP under the heading Project Staffing Form, it states that "a detailed and expedited hiring plan must be described if the applicant plans to hire staff after the award. In this plan, applicants should include job descriptions for positions not yet filled". Where should this information be provided in the IowaGrants online Project Staffing Form? | The detailed and expedited hiring plan referenced on page 34 should be included within the Project Staffing Form in IowaGrants. Applicants should incorporate their hiring plan— including timelines, job descriptions for unfilled positions, and recruitment steps—into the Optional Attachment section at the bottom of the Project Staffing Form. This allows reviewers to access all staffing‑related information in one location while keeping the narrative fields focused on roles, responsibilities, and staffing structure. |
| Jul 27, 2026 2:18 PM | Regarding the statement on page 30 - 31 of the RFP: "To charge indirect costs, the applicant can use the organization's appropriate approved rate. If the Applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by its Cognizant Federal Agency, you may use that rate." Question: If an organization's federally negotiated indirect cost rate exceeds the 10% administrative cost cap, may the organization claim its full approved indirect cost rate, or will indirect costs be limited such that total administrative costs (including indirect costs) do not exceed 10% of the project budget? | Indirect costs are subject to the 10% administrative cost cap outlined in the RFP. If applying the organization’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate results in the project exceeding 10% of the overall contract, the Contractor may not claim their full approved indirect cost rate under this award. Instead, indirect costs must be limited so that the total administrative costs—including both direct administrative expenses and indirect costs—do not exceed 10% of the project budget for each contract year. The organization’s federally approved indirect cost rate may be used only to the extent that it fits within the 10% administrative cap established by the RFP and required under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program. |
| Jul 27, 2026 2:34 PM | If our project were funded, would our organization have to apply for year 2-5 funding yearly, or would we be funded for 5 years in total? | The RFP does not award five years of funding upfront. If your project is funded, you will receive Year 1 funding through the initial contract, and funding for Years 2–5 will be issued through annual contract amendments at the Agency’s discretion. Continued funding is based on factors such as performance, compliance with contract requirements, availability of federal funds, and alignment with the Agency’s priorities for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Contractors should plan for annual renewal rather than a single five‑year award. |
| Jul 27, 2026 2:36 PM | In a hospital setting, can Year 1 funds be split between departments when 1 facality is applying? IE, can Year 1 funds be split evenly between OB and EMS departments under one facality? | Yes. Year 1 funds may be allocated across multiple departments within a single facility—as long as the lead applicant is an Iowa Authorized EMS Service and all expenditures directly support the High‑Risk OB & Neonatal Transport project as described in the RFP. Funds can be shared between departments such as OB and EMS, provided the costs align with allowable uses, fall within the approved line‑item budget categories, and clearly support the deliverables, readiness activities, personnel, training, or equipment necessary for the project. All costs must remain compliant with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program requirements, including the administrative cost cap and the prohibition on unallowable expenses. |
| Jul 27, 2026 2:37 PM | Are there staffing credential requirements for EMS clinicians? | Yes. EMS Clinicians must meet all Iowa EMS regulatory credentialing requirements applicable to their role within the EMS service. This means they must be credentialed by an Iowa‑authorized EMS service either through holding a valid Iowa EMS certification or through an approved RN Exception, Physician Associate (PA) Exception, or Physician Exception, as allowed under Iowa law and administrative rule. The RFP does not establish additional credentialing requirements beyond those already required under Iowa EMS regulations, but all EMS Clinicians must be rostered, credentialed, and authorized by the EMS service to perform emergency medical care within the service’s approved scope. |
| Jul 27, 2026 2:39 PM | If we are funded, in a hypothetical situation, what if the facality is awarded and does not have a neonatal case within the first year of funding? | An awarded organization would remain in compliance even if it does not have a neonatal transport during the first year of funding. The RFP measures readiness, capability, and adherence to required deliverables, not the number of neonatal cases that occur. Contractors are expected to maintain the required staffing, equipment, protocols, training, and coordination necessary to respond when a High‑Risk OB or neonatal transport is needed. Case volume may vary due to factors outside the Contractor’s control, and the absence of a neonatal transport in Year 1 would not negatively impact award status or contract performance, as long as all readiness and reporting expectations are fulfilled. |
| Jul 27, 2026 2:45 PM | Can we use our own OB providers to provide telehealth during transport? | Yes. An EMS service may use its own OB providers to deliver telehealth support during High‑Risk OB or neonatal transports, provided the telehealth services are performable within the provider’s Iowa licensure and scope of practice and do not conflict with any payer billing restrictions. Telehealth guidance delivered by an OB provider must align with all clinical oversight, communication, and safety expectations described in the RFP, including requirements for maintaining access to specialty support when needed. If the telehealth service is normally reimbursable, it may be billed according to standard payer rules and cannot be paid for with RHTP grant funds. |
| Jul 27, 2026 2:46 PM | Can funds be used to cover upfront telehealth costs? IE equipment installation in an ambulance? | Yes. RHTP funds may be used to purchase telehealth equipment, and mounting or installing that equipment is allowable as long as the installation does not involve renovation, refurbishment, or modification of the ambulance or vehicle itself. For example, installing brackets, mounts, or wiring necessary to safely secure or operate telehealth devices is permissible. However, grant funds cannot be used for any work that constitutes vehicle refurbishment or modification, such as interior rebuilds, cabinetry changes, structural alterations, or redesigning the ambulance to accommodate new systems. Allowable costs are limited to the equipment and its basic installation, not alterations to the vehicle. |
| Jul 27, 2026 3:46 PM | High-risk obstetric and neonatal transport programs often require the flexibility to utilize both air and ground transport resources to ensure timely access to care. If an organization submits an application for funding of an air ambulance-based program, may grant funds be used to purchase maternal and neonatal transport equipment that would be deployed on ground transport units when air transport is unavailable, delayed due to weather or maintenance, or otherwise clinically inappropriate for the patient? | Yes. Applicants may propose purchasing maternal and neonatal transport equipment for both air and ground transport units, and may choose either to share equipment between transport modalities or to purchase duplicate equipment if that approach is more operationally appropriate for their program. Both approaches are allowable as long as the equipment itself is an eligible expense under the RFP and its use supports readiness, safety, and the clinical needs of High‑Risk OB and neonatal transports. Applicants should ensure that any proposed equipment purchases—whether shared or duplicated—are effective, reasonable, and sustainable within the project’s budget and consistent with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program cost restrictions. Equipment may be mounted or installed utilizing grant funds, but grant funds cannot be used to renovate, refurbish, or modify vehicles. Applicants choosing to operate both air and ground transport resources should clearly describe in their application how equipment will be deployed across those modalities to support timely and safe maternal and neonatal care and how air and ground transport will be integrated, including how equipment will be shared, how readiness will be maintained across modalities, and how clinical decision‑making will determine when each transport mode is used. |