State of South Dakota Announces First Round of Rural Health Transformation Requests for Proposals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, DOHMedia@state.sd.us

State of South Dakota Announces First Round of Rural Health Transformation Requests for Proposals

PIERRE, S.D. – The State of South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative has released its first round of Request for Proposals (RFP) focused on strengthening rural, tribal, and frontier health care systems through digital health modernization, coordinated delivery of care methods, and project management.

“The Rural Health Transformation initiative drives stronger, more integrated and connected health care systems to meet people where they are,” said Melissa Magstadt, Secretary of Health. “This first round of RFPs provides opportunities for partners to support implementation efforts through key leadership and project management roles. These future contracts will help South Dakota improve access to care, modernize health technology systems, and strengthen long-term sustainability for our state’s communities.”

In Governor Larry Rhoden’s State of the State Address, he urged the South Dakota Legislature to make RHT funding the first bill to reach his desk. They delivered on that request, and Governor Rhoden quickly signed HB 1044 into law. The Department of Health is continuing on that quick action with this first round of RFPs.

RFPs Available in the Initial Release The first round of Rural Health Transformation RFPs includes the following opportunities:

• Digital Health Modernization and Technology Grant Program Manager This role will support statewide efforts to modernize digital health systems, equipment, and technology that improve care coordination, access, and data-driven decision-making.
• Medicaid Primary Accountable Care Transformation (PACT) The awarded vendor would support South Dakota Medicaid in creating a population-based alternative payment methodology for primary care, including actuarial support for the initial model design and methodology for updates, developing a quality-based payment methodology based on provider performance based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) or other quality measures, developing a recipient rewards program, and facilitating stakeholder engagement meetings.
• Department of Social Services (DSS) Project Manager This position will support cross-agency coordination and implementation activities related to Rural Health Transformation efforts involving the Department of Social Services.
• Project Management Support for the Chronic Disease Management Initiative Project management support would include various roles and responsibilities like serving as a liaison with funded entities; ensuring activities, objectives, and outcomes are met and within budget; and supporting data collection and reporting.
• Caregiver Support Programming Caregiver support programming would include providing services, education, and resources to caregivers, providers, and the public. The goal is for caregivers, a largely unrecognized workforce, to gain additional resources through peer support groups, coordinated resources, expanded provider training, and increased respite care availability.
• Chronic Disease Self-Management Programming The awarded vendor(s) must expand CDSM programming in rural and Western South Dakota by training additional lay leaders, offering community workshops, and marketing for local participation.
• Expand and Strengthen the Rural Community Health Worker Workforce The awarded vendor will work with organizations across South Dakota to expand and strengthen the Community Health Worker (CHW) and Community Health Representative (CHR) workforce. The vendor will provide technical assistance for program development and expansion, assist with financial sustainability and payment frameworks, offer cross training, certification, and professional development opportunities, and develop strategies to recruit and retain CHWs and CHRs in communities across South Dakota. How to Access the RFPs All current Rural Health Transformation RFPs are available for review and application through the state’s posting board at: https://postingboard.esmsolutions.com/3444a404-3818-494f-84c5-2a850acd7779/events

Applicants should review each RFP carefully for eligibility requirements, application instructions, and submission deadlines.

Looking Ahead Additional RFPs are expected to be released as the Rural Health Transformation initiative continues to advance. Updates will continue to be shared with stakeholders, partners, and the public as new opportunities become available.

For more information about Rural Health Transformation efforts in South Dakota, visit ruralhealthtransformation.sd.gov.

The Rural Health Transformation initiative is a statewide effort focused on strengthening rural healthcare systems and improving access to quality care across South Dakota. Through strategic investments, innovative care models, and cross-agency collaboration, Rural Health Transformation is designed to build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable rural health system for communities across the state.

This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the Rural Health Transformation Project, a financial assistance award totaling $189,477,607.26 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the South Dakota DOH and DSS and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

February 25, 2026
Rural Health Transformation

Contact:
DOHMedia@state.sd.us

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