South Dakota Rural Health Transformation RFPs - Round 2

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Published March 3rd, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The State of South Dakota has launched the second round of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for its Rural Health Transformation initiative. These RFPs focus on digital health modernization, care coordination, and project management, with specific opportunities in doula workforce advancement, maternal health assessment, and rural health training.

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What changed

The State of South Dakota, through its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative, has released a second round of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aimed at strengthening rural, tribal, and frontier healthcare systems. This round includes specific RFPs for a Doula Workforce Advancement Program, a Statewide Maternal Health Access and Services Assessment, and the development of a Rural Health Forward training and resource hub. These initiatives are supported by funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and are part of a larger effort to improve access to care and modernize health technology in the state.

Entities interested in participating must review the RFPs for eligibility requirements, application instructions, and submission deadlines, which are available on the state's posting board. The RHT initiative, signed into law via HB 1044, seeks partners to lead implementation efforts through project management and leadership roles. This represents a significant opportunity for organizations to contribute to the modernization and sustainability of healthcare services in South Dakota's rural communities.

What to do next

Review the three new RFPs for eligibility, instructions, and deadlines.
Prepare and submit applications for selected RFPs through the state's posting board.
Ensure proposed projects align with the goals of digital health modernization and care coordination.

Source document (simplified)

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, DOHMedia@state.sd.us

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

PIERRE, S.D. – The State of South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative has released the next 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 next 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.

Three New RFPs that are Available Include the Following:

Doula Workforce Advancement Program Selected applicants will strengthen the doula workforce and improve maternal and infant health outcomes by enhancing support across the perinatal period. Projects may include training additional doulas, expanding community-based and Tribal doula programs, and strengthening partnerships to improve care coordination and continuity of care.
Statewide Maternal Health Access and Services Assessment The awarded vendor will assess the maternal health landscape in South Dakota to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to improve access to maternal and infant care across the prenatal and postpartum periods.
Rural Health Forward The awarded South Dakota-based partner organization will develop, implement, host, and maintain Rural Health Forward. Rural Health Forward is a statewide training and resource hub designed to close gaps in education, training, and professional development between urban and rural healthcare professionals. 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.

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.