Healthy Hometowns: High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport Request For Proposal

Summary

This RFP invites applications from eligible organizations to establish or expand High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport programs in rural Iowa, as part of the Healthy Hometowns initiative under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The funded programs will enhance emergency transport capacity, training, telehealth integration, and networked connections between rural communities and specialty perinatal care centers. Up to approximately $6,000,000 is available in the first year, with total funding expected around $20M over the contract period for up to three awards.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants are public, private, nonprofit, academic institutions, or governmental entities that provide Emergency Medical Services Care. Applicants must currently be an Iowa Authorized EMS Transport Service. Applicants must serve at least one county with some parts or all parts of the county eligible for Rural Health Grants as defined by the HRSA Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer. Applicants may be located in any Iowa county but must serve at least one eligible rural county. Priority points are awarded for serving additional rural counties and for EMS Service Programs that commit to providing interfacility transport services open to all eligible sending and receiving facilities, regardless of health system affiliation.

Requirements Checklist

• Submit all required forms in the IowaGrants.gov application portal. Applicants must currently be an Iowa Authorized EMS Transport Service and serve at least one county determined rural-eligible by the HRSA Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer. Applicants must participate in the BEMTS Pilot Project and coordinated statewide initiatives, develop a High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport plan within 60 days of contract execution, procure approved equipment, and implement required training. Applicants must comply with reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual, FFATA, insurance, etc.), complete both line-item and deliverable-based budgets, and adhere to all contract performance measures—including telehealth equipment procurement by 9/30/2027. If requesting confidential treatment, submit Form 22 and upload both a full and a redacted application copy.