# Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) — Notice of Intent to Award

Notice of Intent to Award for Centers of Excellence, RFP PHTHORC26008. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will fund approximately three projects to improve rural EMS transport capacity for high-risk obstetric and neonatal patients, equipping EMS agencies with specialized training, tele OB support, and neonatal-specific equipment. Supported by over $209 million in CMS/HHS funding, these projects will establish consistent, reliable maternal and neonatal transfer patterns across a statewide hub-and-spoke network.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: RFP
- Issued by: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa)
- Posted: 2026-02-05
- Questions due: 2026-08-31
- Application due: 2026-02-05
- Eligible applicants: State Agency, EMS Agency, Healthcare Facility
- How to apply: Applications must be submitted via IowaGrants portal (https://www.iowagrants.gov/).
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/18137/download

## Eligibility

Rural hospitals and health centers in Iowa, as identified as apparent successful bidders in this Notice, including: Shelby Co. DBA Myrtue Medical Center, Iowa Specialty Hospital, Manning Regional Health Care Center, Marengo Memorial Hospital, Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital, Decatur County Hospital, Knoxville Hospital and Clinics, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, Central Iowa Hospital Corporation, Sioux Center Health. Eligible applicants are Iowa EMS agencies, healthcare facilities, and possibly state agencies serving rural perinatal care, subject to future RFP details.

## Requirements

Applicants must propose projects that expand high-risk EMS transport capacity, include specialized training and tele OB support, and procure neonatal-specific equipment. Projects should align with establishing statewide hub-and-spoke transfer patterns and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

## Application package and source documents

- [IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Award Request for Proposal Number: PHTHORC26008 Centers of Excellence (Notice of Intent to Award – Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/bd59c274-a3c7-47f1-b54d-888e50ffa5a7/file) (primary) — official: https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/18137/download
- [IowaGrants Login and Registration Instructions (RFP source page – Centers of Excellence (PHTHORC26008))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/d66c6e10-9d36-4ae4-9ed6-26ce8e5ad93c/file) — official: https://www.iowagrants.gov/index.do?fa=opportunity.docs&tab=tab_3&o=406

More Iowa RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ia (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ia.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/centers-of-excellence-rfp-phthorc26008-notice-of-intent-to-award--918232df4c — data as of 2026-06-21.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.