# Rural Health Transformation Program - Centralized Tool to Guide Interfacility Transfers The Vermont Agency of Human Services seeks proposals under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) for a subrecipient grant to assess, plan, and implement a centralized tool guiding interfacility transfers statewide. Supported by CMS/HHS funding ($195.05M total in year one, 100% CMS-funded), the project’s initial 11-month award period expects the selected organization to conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment, develop an implementation-ready blueprint, and execute a live pilot deployment at an independent hospital. Required tasks include evaluating care coordination infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and designing a scalable operating, governance, and technology model for capacity management and transfer coordination across Vermont’s health system (hospitals, EMS, rural providers, etc.). Deliverables: statewide operating model, governance framework including EMS integration, technology/interoperability strategy, performance measurement plan, phased implementation roadmap, and sustainability plan for scaling post-grant. The solution must prioritize rural and unaffiliated organizations, enable equitable participation, streamline transfer coordination, and strengthen system resilience and integration. Award is for planning, feasibility, and initial implementation; future expansion subject to available funding and State/CMS review. ## Key facts - Status: Closed - Type: NOFO - Issued by: Vermont Agency of Human Services, Central Office (Vermont) - Posted: 2026-07-01 - Questions due: 2026-07-08 - Application due: 2026-07-29 - Eligible applicants: Nonprofit Organizations, For-Profit Organizations, Health Networks, System Integrators with Healthcare Experience, Hospitals, EMS Agencies, Rural Health Providers, Licensed Health Providers - How to apply: Grant to Create a Centralized Tool to Guide Interfacility Transfers Online Application (Microsoft Form link provided in NOFO) PLUS required attachments emailed to ahs.contracts@vermont.gov. Subject line: "Interfacility Transfer Grant Application, [Organization Name]". - Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS) - Official source: https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=73919 ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must demonstrate existing infrastructure, staffing, and operational processes supporting coordinated patient care across settings in Vermont. Full SAM registration and a valid UEI are required. Applicants may be any organizations (including for-profit and nonprofit entities, health networks, system integrators, hospitals, EMS agencies) able to meet the experience, operational, and partnership requirements; Vermont-based partnerships are permitted to fulfill eligibility. Experience with statewide healthcare planning, transfer coordination, capacity management, health IT, and stakeholder engagement is essential. ## Requirements The RHTP grant supports a subrecipient-led effort for statewide interfacility transfer coordination. The selected entity will conduct feasibility assessment, develop operational and governance models, design interoperable technology and EMS integration, engage stakeholders, and implement a live pilot solution at a minimum of one independent hospital. Required activities address gaps, enable equitable statewide access, and promote optimal use of resources. Reporting includes quarterly programmatic and financial reports, interim findings, and a final implementation-ready plan. Compliance with 2 CFR Part 200, HIPAA, and State grant/contract terms is required. Funds may not be used for pre-award costs, construction/renovation, duplicative services, or prohibited equipment. Participation is voluntary and governed by a model designed for sustainability post-grant. ## Required attachments - Completed Grant to Create a Centralized Tool to Guide Interfacility Transfers Online Application - Year 1 Project Costs (Appendix A: Budget Workbook) - W-9 Tax Form signed within the last 12 months - Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Letter (NICRA) if applicable - Letters of commitment from partner organizations, if applicable ## Application package and source documents - [VT - 2026 - Notice of Funding Opportunity – RHTP Subrecipient Grant to Create a Centralized Tool to Guide Interfacility Transfers (RHT_AHSCO_0010_FY26.pdf)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/41e48229-f60c-4266-b5a3-d7ac08479414/file) (primary) — official: https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/bidAttachments/73919/RHT_AHSCO_0010_FY26.pdf - [VT - 2026 - Appendix A Budget Template.xlsx (Appendix A Budget Template.xlsx)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/45b5eba8-a294-41bd-9ae4-6430f0f29c9c/file) — official: https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/bidAttachments/73919/Appendix%20A%20Budget%20Template.xlsx - [VT - 2026 - Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template (Appendix A RHTP Subrecipient Grant Budget Template.pdf)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/16e8a143-da3e-4b65-a34b-1c3ad2b6992d/file) — official: https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/bidAttachments/73876/Appendix%20A%20RHTP%20Subrecipient%20Grant%20Budget%20Template.pdf - [VT - 2026 - RHT_AHSCO_0010_FY26 Q&A (RHT_AHSCO_0010_FY26 Q&A.pdf)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/bce405c7-88e5-4109-a8f1-9979d0907ade/file) — official: https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/bidAttachments/73919/RHT_AHSCO_0010_FY26%20Q&A.pdf More Vermont RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/vt (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/vt.md) --- Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/rural-health-transformation-program-centralized-tool-to-guide-interfacility-tran--zbgbl13bmc — data as of 2026-08-11. Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.