Iowa High-risk Obstetric and Neonatal Transport Projects (RFP PHTHOET27002)

Summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will support approximately three projects aimed at strengthening Iowa's rural perinatal system by expanding EMS capacity to safely transport high-risk pregnant individuals and newborns to appropriate levels of care. Projects will equip EMS agencies with specialized training, tele OB support, and neonatal-specific equipment, with the ultimate goal of establishing consistent, reliable transfer patterns across a statewide hub-and-spoke network. This initiative, backed by over $209 million in CMS/HHS funding, seeks to improve outcomes and ensure timely, coordinated access to advanced maternal and neonatal services.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are EMS agencies, healthcare facilities, and state or local agencies involved in rural perinatal care in Iowa, subject to details in the final RFP.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must propose projects that expand high-risk obstetric and neonatal EMS transport capacity, incorporate specialized training and tele OB support, and include procurement of neonatal-specific equipment. Projects should contribute to reliable, statewide hub-and-spoke transfer networks and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Submission Instructions

Applications must be submitted via IowaGrants portal (https://www.iowagrants.gov/).