South Dakota eSM Solutions Posting Board · Posted July 22, 2026
Application Due
September 4, 2026
Q&A Deadline
August 4, 2026
This RFP, issued by the South Dakota Department of Health as part of the Rural Health Transformation initiative, solicits proposals from qualified healthcare organizations, facilities, and eligible entities to recruit, deploy, and retain a sustainable rural healthcare workforce for rural, underserved, and frontier communities in South Dakota. The program targets critical staffing shortages, high turnover, maldistribution, and reliance on temporary staffing, limiting access to care and threatening the viability of rural healthcare delivery systems. Funded projects must present innovative, coordinated, outcomes-driven strategies that: accelerate recruitment with targeted incentives and localized placement plans; enhance workforce stability and retention through provider support, engagement, and service commitment agreements; optimize workforce distribution for equitable access; reduce reliance on locum tenens and contract staff; improve provider experience through structured wellness supports and engagement; and build sustainable workforce infrastructure. All proposals must align with Rural Health Transformation Project objectives and recommendations from the Strategic Analysis of South Dakota’s Rural Healthcare Programs, 2024. Financial incentives are tied to a five-year service commitment per CMS guidelines. Projects duplicating existing efforts or funding are ineligible; priority is given to proposals demonstrating long-term impact, sustainability, broad partnership, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Multiple awards are anticipated totaling $6 million in year one, subject to CMS award.
Any licensed healthcare facility, dental clinic, or healthcare clinic providing healthcare services to rural South Dakota citizens is eligible. Applicants outside rural areas may apply if they demonstrate a clear benefit to rural South Dakotans. See Strategic Analysis of South Dakota's Rural Healthcare Programs, 2024 for rural geography definitions. Providers participating in state loan repayment programs or contracted/locum tenens providers are not eligible for retention incentives.
Required attachments
Submit completed proposals electronically via email to Josie.Petersen@state.sd.us, subject line 'Proposal for RFP #26-09RHT-024', no later than 5PM CT, September 4, 2026. Proposals must be signed by an authorized representative and formatted per RFP specifications (signed RFP form, executive summary, detailed narrative, separate cost proposal). Registration on the state's e-procurement system is required to access documents. Application portal: https://postingboard.esmsolutions.com/3444a404-3818-494f-84c5-2a850acd7779/eventDetail/19896
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Application Prep
Application #: 26RFP-26-09RHT-024
Reference: 26-09RHT-024
Program: Rural Health Transformation initiative
Match: No match required
Performance: Anticipated contract period Oct 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027; option to renew for three (3) additional years, one year at a time
Key Dates:
Review Criteria:
Portal: https://postingboard.esmsolutions.com/3444a404-3818-494f-84c5-2a850acd7779/eventDetail/19896
FAQ: https://doh.sd.gov/healthcare-professionals/rural-health/
Budget Range
Contact
State POC
Josie Petersen
Josie.Petersen@state.sd.us