# Alabama RHTP Collaborative EHR, IT, and Cybersecurity Initiative

ADECA is making $31.6 million available through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program for rural providers and partners to modernize IT infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve EHR interoperability statewide. The NOFO defines multiple strategy categories, including referral hubs, EHR upgrades for health information exchange, and targeted cybersecurity enhancements. Projects must directly benefit rural Alabama communities and align with strategic goals including improved care coordination, compliance readiness, and network sustainability. Key contacts: info@alabamarhtp.com. Additional application support is available via ARHTP workshops on June 9, 2026 (see NOFO and workshop memo). Round 1 results announced Aug 24, 2026: $32,948,000 awarded across 29 grants under this initiative.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: NOFO
- Issued by: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) (Alabama)
- Posted: 2026-06-03
- Application due: 2026-06-26
- Funding: $250,000 – $31.6M
- Eligible applicants: Nonprofit Organization, Healthcare Provider, Rural Hospital, Public Agency
- How to apply: Applications must be submitted electronically via the ARHTP online portal at https://arhtp-portal.adeca.alabama.gov by 5:00 PM Central Time on June 26, 2026. No paper or email submissions will be accepted.
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://alabamarhtp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NOFO_EHR-IT-and-Cybersecurity-Initiative_Final_06012026_ADA.pdf

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants are rural Alabama hospitals, health clinics, mental health centers, and their collaborating regional healthcare partners as defined in Section III.A of the NOFO. All applicants must demonstrate their capacity to manage federal funds, complete required reporting, and execute IT and cybersecurity modernization projects that directly benefit rural communities as defined by 2020 U.S. Census data.

## Requirements

Applicants must submit a detailed project narrative, project budget, letters of support from partner organizations, statement of need, organizational qualifications, and a work plan that addresses strategy categories outlined in Section III.B of the NOFO. Required activities must include upgrades or implementation of EHR and IT systems, health information exchange connectivity, and measurable cybersecurity enhancements. Compliance with federal cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST SP 800-53) is mandatory. All projects must be completed by 09/30/2027.

## Required attachments

- Project Narrative
- Detailed Budget
- Letters of Support
- Work Plan
- Proof of Eligibility
- Cybersecurity Self-Assessment
- Organizational Chart

## Application package and source documents

- [AL - 2026 - Alabama Department Of Economic And Community Affairs (ADECA) Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Alabama RHTP Collaborative Ehr, It, And Cybersecurity Initiative (Primary NOFO Document)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/82913686-8455-420b-abb2-d9fa5277d24c/file) (primary) — official: https://alabamarhtp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NOFO_EHR-IT-and-Cybersecurity-Initiative_Final_06012026_ADA.pdf
- [AL - 2026 - Alabama RHTP (ARHTP) Application Workshops (ARHTP-Application-Workshops-Announcement_Links)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/edf03979-2960-439c-aaac-f7a25625a8c8/file) — official: https://alabamarhtp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ARHTP-Application-Workshops-Announcement_Links.pdf
- [AL - 2026 - Alabama RHTP (ARHTP) Application Workshops (ARHTP-Application-Workshops-Announcement)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/fe227ac4-fa09-429b-92cb-b861563b2087/file) — official: https://adeca.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/ARHTP-Application-Workshops-Announcement.pdf
- [AL - 2026 - Governor Ivey Announces First Grants in Major NEW Rural Healthcare Program Totaling More Than 144 Million (Round 1 Award Announcement (Aug 24, 2026))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/0fe9373c-289a-4266-bd77-44fe7bd15ea6/file) — official: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2026/08/governor-ivey-announces-first-grants-in-major-new-rural-healthcare-program-totaling-more-than-144-million/

More Alabama RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/al (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/al.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/alabama-rhtp-collaborative-ehr-it-and-cybersecurity-initiative--25ba7365cc — data as of 2026-08-24.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.