# Enhancing Sustainable EMS, EMS Workforce, Infrastructure, etc.

The South Dakota Department of Health is soliciting proposals for the Enhancing Sustainable Emergency Medical Services (EMS): EMS Workforce, Infrastructure, and System Modernization Initiative under the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Project. Up to $8,000,000 in total funding is available for project-based awards to support rural, frontier, and Tribal EMS system transformation. Projects may address workforce development, specialized equipment/technology integration, regional EMS coordination, and clinical quality improvement. Successful applicants will propose solutions that improve sustainability, readiness, and quality of care in South Dakota's EMS systems. Depending on project type, contract forms may include grant agreements or other state-approved mechanisms. The anticipated contract period is August 5, 2026 – July 31, 2027, with up to three possible one-year renewals.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: RFP
- Issued by: South Dakota eSM Solutions Posting Board (South Dakota)
- Posted: 2026-06-26
- Questions due: 2026-06-15
- Application due: 2026-07-17
- Funding: $8.0M
- Eligible applicants: South Dakota licensed ambulance services, South Dakota Tribal governments, Tribal EMS agencies, or Tribal healthcare organizations, South Dakota hospitals, health systems, and critical access hospitals, South Dakota public safety agencies, emergency communications centers, and dispatch organizations, Educational institutions, technical colleges, universities, and EMS training programs, Local governments and governmental entities, Nonprofit organizations with relevant EMS, healthcare, workforce, or public health expertise, Healthcare technology vendors and interoperability partners, Consultants or organizations with demonstrated expertise in EMS system development, clinical quality improvement, workforce development, healthcare integration, operational coordination, or EMS sustainability initiatives
- How to apply: Submit PDF or Word proposals by email to DOHEMSGrants@state.sd.us by July 17, 2026, 5:00 PM CT. Proposals must be signed by an authorized officer and follow format requirements in Section 5.0 of RFP. Cost proposal must be submitted as a separate file.
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://postingboard.esmsolutions.com/3444a404-3818-494f-84c5-2a850acd7779/eventDetail/19837

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants include South Dakota licensed ambulance services; South Dakota Tribal governments, Tribal EMS agencies, or Tribal healthcare organizations; South Dakota hospitals, health systems, and critical access hospitals; South Dakota public safety agencies, emergency communications centers, and dispatch organizations; educational institutions, technical colleges, universities, and EMS training programs; local governments and governmental entities; nonprofit organizations with relevant expertise; healthcare technology vendors and interoperability partners; and consultants/organizations with demonstrated experience in EMS system development, integration, or quality improvement. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience or operational responsibility related to EMS, rural healthcare, public safety, technology, or regional response coordination.

## Requirements

Solicitation number: 26RFP-26-09RHT-023

## Required attachments

- Completed and signed proposal cover form (first page of RFP)
- Executive summary (1-2 pages)
- Detailed project narrative (with point-by-point response)
- Cost proposal (submitted as separate file per Section 7.0)
- Itemized budget with justification
- Letters of support or partnership, if applicable
- Resumes or bios for key personnel, if applicable
- Disclosure of other RHT funding (Section 5.1, max 2 pages)
- Other documentation as required in RFP Section 5.0

## Application package and source documents

- [SD - 2026 - Enhancing Sustainable Emergency Medical Services (EMS) EMS Workforce, Infrastructure, and System Modernization Initiative RFP #26-09RHT-023](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/69806260-b456-4a34-aaae-57c2845abc7d/file) (primary) — official: https://postingboard.esmsolutions.com/3444a404-3818-494f-84c5-2a850acd7779/eventDetail/19837

More South Dakota RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/sd (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/sd.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/enhancing-sustainable-ems-ems-workforce-infrastructure-etc--1ace70ac7e — data as of 2026-08-11.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.