HHS Region 3 · Pennsylvania DHS — Rural Health Transformation
Program Overview
The Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Program is currently active, providing direct funding to rural healthcare providers and facilities for supplies, equipment, and technology modernization. Major focus areas include certified EHR and Health Information Organizations onboarding, workforce development, behavioral health, EMS, maternal health, aging access, and rural clinic connectivity, anchored by targeted initiatives including the Rapid Response Stabilization and EHR & HIO modernization rounds. Funding is administered through coordinated state mechanisms with defined eligibility and regional limits, focusing on six main RHTP initiatives; strategic goals and progress are tracked under an established framework. Current implementation includes open application periods and per-location award caps for 2026 funding rounds. Current structured plan tracks 11 key initiatives and 10 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Pennsylvania — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (67)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia County | 1,579,706 | 21.4% | 17.0% |
| Allegheny County | 1,238,177 | 11.5% | 7.3% |
| Montgomery County | 867,573 | 6.5% | 4.1% |
| Bucks County | 647,461 | 6.1% | 3.9% |
| Delaware County | 579,222 | 10.2% | 7.4% |
| Lancaster County | 557,931 | 8.2% | 5.4% |
| Chester County | 547,840 | 6.0% | 3.7% |
| York County | 462,924 | 8.4% | 6.1% |
| Berks County | 433,015 | 12.2% | 8.7% |
| Lehigh County | 378,792 | 11.6% | 7.9% |
| Westmoreland County | 352,500 | 10.3% | 6.6% |
| Luzerne County | 327,675 | 15.3% | 11.3% |
AI source: PA - 2026 - Skip to agency navigation Skip to main content Official website
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
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4 related documents
PA - 2025 - Pennsylvania’s RHT Plan
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1,775,199 rural residents
Pennsylvania's Rural Health Transformation Program continues active implementation. Multiple program rounds are operating, with the second round of Rapid Response Stabilization Payments and EHR/HIO technology modernization currently open for rural providers. Awards and payments are proceeding, and the state is preparing for future funding cycles with updated guidance. Stakeholder engagement remains ongoing via summits and outreach events. State opportunities: 2 active (1 upcoming, 1 closing soon, 2 past/closed), $2.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan Rapid Response Stabilization Payments — Round 2; Pennsylvania RHTP Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability — EHR/HIO Program Payments; Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan Rapid Response Stabilization Payments. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, ems priorities.
Pennsylvania’s RHTP maintains its focus on rapid stabilization of essential rural health services through structured, direct payments and milestone-driven modernization. Program funding and eligibility reflect six core, federally approved initiatives, prioritizing transparent documentation and strict avoidance of duplicate support. Emphasis remains on measurable, regionally responsive investments shaped by community and provider input, with detailed expense justification required for each initiative.
Model
Hybrid Statewide-Regional Model combining stakeholder-driven planning, direct payments, and technology-enabled infrastructure through annualized milestones.
Key Initiatives
Timeline: Rapid Response payments and eligibility certifications began May–June 2026; EHR/HIO onboarding and infrastructure payments must conclude by June 30, 2027; workforce, regional, and EMS/maternal health initiatives launch 2026 and scale through FY31 with annual milestones and reviews. FQHC & FQHC Look-Alike technology funding application window: July 27–August 7, 2026; EHR & HIO onboarding application window: July 27–August 14, 2026. Rapid Response Stabilization Round 2 application window: August 17–August 24, 2026; funds must be expended by July 31, 2027.
Rural Pennsylvania faces challenges including hospital closures, provider shortages, and long travel times, which are addressed through telehealth and local partnerships.
This is a non-competitive initial funding opportunity for rural hospitals, health care providers, and rural health facilities in Pennsylvania, offering direct program payments for the purchase of supplies and equipment to stabilize rural health access. Eligible projects must address one of six RHTP initiatives and avoid duplication with prior rapid respon...
Reference: Health Funding Available for Rural Facilities Link: https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/20 26/08/health-funding-available-for-rural-facilit ies/
PA - 2025 - Department of Human Services | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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PA - 2026 - RHTP Public Webinar, March 31, 2026
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Northwest Position Posting (RHTP Implementation, PA DHS)
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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Due Aug 24, 2026
6 related documents
PA - 2026 - Availability of RHTP Payments; Rapid Response Stabilization
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PA - 2026 - Pennsylvania RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program Request and Eligibility Certification
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PA - 2026 - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program – Round 2 Program Request and Eligibility Certification (2026-08-07-rapid-response-stabilization-program-payment-certification-round-2)
Primary source
PA - 2026 - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program – Round 2 Program Request and Eligibility Certification
Round 2 Program Request and Eligibility Certification
PA - 2026 - Attachment 1 Entity Location List
Required Attachment: Entity Location List
PA - 2026 - RHT Plan (RHTP) Project Budget Narrative Template
Attachment 2: RHTP Payment Budget Narrative Template
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Due Aug 14, 2026
7 related documents
PA - 2026 - RHTP Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability Program Request and Eligibility Certification
Program Payment Certification Form
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Due Aug 7, 2026
6 related documents
PA - 2026 - FQHC & FQHC Look-Alikes – Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Interoperability Frequently Asked Questions
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Barnes-Kasson County Hospital The hospital’s operating room (OR) air handling system has experienced complete failure and is no longer operational. The system has exceeded its useful life, and repair is no longer feasible. As a result, the operating room cannot be safely used for surgical procedures, required environmental controls cannot be maintained, and infection prevention standards cannot be met. This failure has made the operating room non-functional. Replacement of the failed operating room air handling system is an urgent, one-time infrastructure investment necessary to stabilize a distressed Critical Access Hospital and preserve access to essential rural health services. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | Corry Memorial Hospital dba LECOM Health Corry Memorial Hospital Corry Memorial Hospital will use funding to upgrade critical technology and infrastructure supporting both Radiology services and Inpatient Critical Care. This includes a new radiology system, ventilator, cardiac monitoring system, call bell system, and Baxter IV pumps. Region: Northwest. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | Darway Rehabilitation and Healthcare LLC dba Darway Rehabilitation and Healthcare This program payment will fund a renovation and structural improvement project at Darway Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a 67-bed skilled nursing facility in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. The project will renovate the facility's six resident-care areas (Main Lobby/Entrance Corridor, Resident Room Corridor, Resident Rooms, Resident Bathrooms, Dining Room, and Gym/Physical Therapy Room) to address resident safety, infection control, life-safety compliance, and rehabilitation capacity needs. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | Epworth Rehabilitation and Healthcare LLC dba Cedarwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center This program payment will fund a renovation and structural improvement project at Epworth Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a 102-bed skilled nursing facility in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The project will renovate the facility's six resident-care areas (Main Lobby/Entrance Corridor, Resident Room Corridor, Resident Rooms, Resident Bathrooms, Dining Room, and Gym/Physical Therapy Room) to address resident safety, infection control, life-safety compliance, and rehabilitation capacity needs. Region: Southern Alleghenies. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Supports deployment of a portable CT imaging unit to expand advanced diagnostic imaging for rural and underserved communities. | $1.0M | TECH_INFRASTRUCTURE | |
| 2025 | Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Funding will support the purchase, deployment, and installation of a CT imaging unit to ensure consistent, local access to advanced diagnostic imaging services. This investment will allow the community to maintain uninterrupted access to CT services, reducing reliance on external facilities and minimizing delays caused by equipment outages. Region: Central. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | Geisinger Medical Center This project is an access and technology project aimed at ensuring rural Montour and surrounding counties maintain access to an advanced pharmacy. Funding will be used to purchase and install a new modular compounding suite, upgrade and replace the pharmacy’s HVAC system, add non-sterile hazardous drug compounding capacity, and improve the overall workflow layout of the facility. Region: Central. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | Meadow View Rehabilitation and Healthcare LLC dba Meadowview Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center This program payment will fund a renovation and structural improvement project at Meadow View Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a 63-bed skilled nursing facility in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The project will renovate the facility's six resident-care areas (Main Lobby/Entrance Corridor, Resident Room Corridor, Resident Rooms, Resident Bathrooms, Dining Room, and Gym/Physical Therapy Room) to address resident safety, infection control, life-safety compliance, and rehabilitation capacity needs. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | Robert Packer Hospital The upgrade of the cogeneration engine at Robert Packer Hospital (RPH) is a critical infrastructure investment necessary to ensure uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services across a rural, multi-campus system. The existing cogeneration unit is quickly approaching the manufacturerrecommended threshold for major overhaul, at approximately 80,000 run-time hours, which is anticipated to be reached by April 2027. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2025 | St. Luke's Hospital of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania dba St. Luke's Hospital - Lehighton Campus, formerly Blue Mountain Hospital St. Luke’s Hospital - Lehighton Campusis seeking a one-time payment to support the replacement of the roof at the Campus, a rural mental health hospital providing essential inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and medical services. This investment will ensure the Campus’ continued operation that provides inpatient psychiatric care for approximately 1,000 patients annually, delivers tens of thousands of outpatient medical and behavioral health visits, and serves as a lifeline for adults, older adults, and veterans at elevated risk for mental health crises.The investment will help safeguard the physical infrastructure necessary to maintain uninterrupted access to these essential services. Region: Northeast. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT |
DHS released FAQs for the upcoming Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity in Pennsylvania. Wellspan Health was awarded $2.8 million to strengthen care at rural hospitals.
Pennsylvania is highlighting its efforts to support rural health care, referencing activities or program support related to rural hospitals or rural Medicaid. No funding or recipient details are provided in the announcement.
Pennsylvania's Rural Health Transformation Plan has awarded over $42 million to rural hospitals and health facilities to strengthen healthcare access, infrastructure, and workforce development. Projects include technology upgrades, equipment purchases, facility renovations, and expanded EMS and maternal/behavioral health services. These investments are designed to address long-standing barriers to rural care delivery and enable innovative solutions for sustainability and quality improvement.
Core Initiatives
This is a non-competitive initial funding opportunity for rural hospitals, health care providers, and rural health facilities in Pennsylvania, offering direct program payments for the purchase of supplies and equipment to stabilize rural health access. Eligible projects must address one of six RHTP initiatives and avoid duplication with prior rapid response awards. The total available funding is capped at $35 million, with specific per-location limits and regional distribution criteria. Key contacts: RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov Event schedule: - Questions Deadline - 08/07/2026 - 12:00 PM ET - Application Open - 08/17/2026 - 8:00 AM ET - Application Close - 08/24/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - Funds Must Be Expended By - 07/31/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This document provides compliance guidance for rural entities on upgrading to CEHRT-certified electronic health record systems in accordance with RHTP requirements. It details critical EHR functional gaps, federal standards, and regulatory criteria, clarifying how entities must address deficiencies to qualify for RHTP funding.
Core Initiatives
This document provides instructions for preparing the project budget narrative as part of the Rural Health Transformation Plan. It details how to justify expenses, link them to project activities, and ensure consistency with the budget worksheet. Event schedule: - All expenses must be incurred by , 2027. - June 30 - Entity Name: _________________________Total Funding Requested: _________________________
Pennsylvania's RHTP strategy leverages statewide vision and regional implementation to transform rural health systems through workforce investments, digital and AI-driven infrastructure, quality and access improvements, and new collaborative care models. Specific initiatives target maternal health, EMS, behavioral health, data interoperability, and long-term sustainability. The program aims to strengthen service delivery, workforce resilience, clinical outcomes, and care access for the third-largest rural population in the US. Event schedule: - Project Narrative Revision Date - 02/04/2026 - Overall Implementation Timeline - FY26-FY31
Core Initiatives
- and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuwuz9YrCw0
This agenda outlines a rural health summit focused on Pennsylvania's rural health transformation efforts, featuring state and local leaders. Sessions include data review, keynote, panel discussions, and workgroup activities to support rural health planning. Event schedule: - NEPA Rural Health Summit - May 29, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM - King’s College Sheehy-Farmer Building 3rd Floor
Reference: Health Funding Available for Rural Facilities Link: https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2026/08/health-funding-available-for-rural-facilities/
This document provides a template and instructions for completing a budget narrative to accompany a Rural Health Transformation Plan budget worksheet. It guides applicants to justify expenses clearly, connect costs to project activities, and describe equipment and supplies necessary to implement rural health projects.
Reference: Wellspan Health Awarded 2 8 Million to Strengthen Care at Rural Hospitals Link: https://fcfreepresspa.com/wellspan-health-awarded-2-8-million-to-strengthen-care-at-rural-hospitals/
08/14/2026
Submission Close
↳ PA - 2026 - Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability Frequently Asked Questions
07/27/2026
Submission Open
↳ PA - 2026 - Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability Frequently Asked Questions
06/30/2027
HIO Onboarding Deadline
↳ PA - 2026 - Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability Frequently Asked Questions
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
PA RHTP site updated — 6 new doc(s)
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
PA RHTP site updated — 2 new doc(s)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 43.
PA - 2026 - Attachment 1 Entity Location List
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PA - 2026 - Funding Disclosure Table
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PA - 2026 - RHTP Budget Worksheet
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PA - 2026 - EHR.HIO Entity Location List
Required Attachment: Entity Location List
PA - 2026 - Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability Frequently Asked Questions
PA - 2026 - CEHRT System to be Implemented
Required Attachment: CEHRT Worksheet
PA - 2027 - RHT Plan (RHTP) Project Budget Narrative
Required Attachment 3: Budget Narrative
PA - 2026 - RHTP Payment Budget Worksheet
Required Attachment 4: Budget Worksheet
PA - 2026 - Funding Disclosure Table
Required Attachment 5: Public Funding Table
PA - 2026 - Funding Disclosure Table
Funding Disclosure Table
PA - 2026 - Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability: FQHC and FQHC Look-Alikes Program Request and Eligibility Certification
FQHC EHR/HIO Program Payment Certification Form
PA - 2027 - RHT Plan (RHTP) Project Budget Narrative (fqhc-rhtp-project-budget-narrative-template)
RHTP Project Budget Narrative Template
PA - 2026 - RHTP Budget Worksheet
RHTP Budget Worksheet
PA - 2026 - FQHC Entity Location List
FQHC Entity Location List
Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services announces availability of up to $25 million in Rural Health Transformation Program payments aimed at stabilizing and enhancing rural health care access. Payments support six key initiatives including aging and access, behavioral health, EMS, maternal health, technology, and workforce. Each qualified entity may receive up to $1 million, with regional limits initially applied. Event schedule: - Eligibility certifications acceptance begins - 05/01/2026 - Eligibility certifications acceptance ends / region limit lifted - 06/01/2026
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania's RHTP awarded over $42 million across dozens of hospitals and rural health centers to modernize facilities, purchase essential equipment, expand EMS services, and increase access to maternal and behavioral health care. Projects respond directly to community-driven needs, supporting long-term infrastructure upgrades and workforce incentives. The awards emphasize regional collaboration, ensuring sustainable improvements and patient safety throughout rural regions.
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania has received $193 million in federal funding for the first year of its Rural Health Transformation Plan. The funding will support regional care collaboratives, rapid access stabilization grants, and targeted initiatives encompassing technology, workforce, maternal health, behavioral health, aging, and EMS services. The Commonwealth’s approach is grounded in stakeholder input and aims to create sustainable improvements in rural health access and outcomes. Key contacts: Ali Fogarty ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov; Brandon Cwalina ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov Event schedule: - Press announcement - December 30, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This is the second round of the Pennsylvania RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program, providing up to $35 million for rural health entities to purchase supplies and equipment that stabilize and enhance rural healthcare. Funding is awarded on a per-location basis, up to $1,000,000 per site, with an initial regional limit; all applicants must meet detailed eligibility, certification, and documentation requirements. Six program initiatives are targeted: Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, Maternal Health, EMS and Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce. Key contacts: RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov Event schedule: - Submission Window Opens - 08/17/2026 - 8:00 AM ET - Submission Window Closes - 08/24/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - Questions Deadline - August 7, 2026 - 12:00 PM ET - Funds must be expended by - 07/31/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This is an application and eligibility certification for the initial round of Pennsylvania RHTP Technology and Infrastructure funding, with a funding cap of $25,000,000. Payments are for onboarding rural providers to state-certified HIOs and implementing Certified EHR Technology, with maximum per-site awards by provider type and activity. Applications are accepted by electronic submission and payments are authorized as completed applications are received. Key contacts: RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov Event schedule: - Questions Due - 07/17/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov - Application Period Opens - 07/27/2026 - 8:00 AM ET - Online form/email - Application Period Closes - 08/14/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - Online form/email
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
This document provides step-by-step guidance for completing a project budget narrative as part of the RHTP application process. It specifies requirements for justifying all expenses, details expected consultant/contractual budget information, and instructs applicants on the linkage between narrative elements and the budget worksheet. Event schedule: - All expenses must be incurred by , 2027. - June 30 - Entity Name: _________________________Total Funding Requested: _________________________
Event Schedule
Pennsylvania's RHTP will invest $1B over five years to regionally transform rural health care through RCCs, workforce innovation, expanded telehealth, and digital infrastructure. The plan directly responds to priority needs in maternity, behavioral, dental, aging, and primary/preventive care, and incorporates stakeholder input from over 300 responses and numerous health summits. Implementation focuses on both clinical and technological strategies to improve outcomes and sustain rural hospital viability.
Core Initiatives
PA - 2026 - Funding Disclosure Table
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PA - 2026 - EHR.HIO Entity Location List
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PA - 2026 - FQHC Entity Location List
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StyleManual_6thEdition.pdf
PA - 2026 - Attachment 3 RHTP Payment Budget Worksheet
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PA - 2026 - Attachment 5 Funding Disclosure Table
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PA - 2026 - Health Funding Available for Rural Facilities
PA - 2026 - DHS Releases Faqs for Next Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity
PA - 2026 - Wellspan Health Awarded 2 8 Million to Strengthen Care at Rural Hospitals
PA - 2026 - Supporting Rural Health Care
Pennsylvania Code 2026 Supplement Schedule
PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN 2026 Publication Schedule
Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) RHTP Reference
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PA - 2026 - Housing Financing and Funding Resources
PA - 2020 - Skip to agency navigation Skip to main content Official website
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PA - 2026 - Iran Free Procurement List
2026 · PDF
PA - 2027 - Skip to agency navigation Skip to main content Official website
2026 · HTML
PA - 2026 - Exemption List for Steel Products 2026
2026 · PDF
PA - 2026 - Budget Neutrality Workbook
2025-2026 · XLSX
PA - 2026 - Download May 29 NEPA Rural Health Summit Data
2025 · PDF
Pennsylvania Procurement Handbook (as amended April 1, 2025)
2025 · HTML
PA - 2026 - Doing Business with the Commonwealth
2025 · PDF
PA - 2026 - Graphs
2024-2025 · PDF
PA - 2026 - Attachment 4 FFATA Data Sheet
2024 · PDF
Pennsylvania Appendix A INTEGRATED COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTERS A. OVERVIEW The Department Of Human Services (DHS) Defines Integrated Community Wellness Centers (ICWC) As A Service D
2024 · PDF
Pennsylvania The U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development HUD- Defined CoC Names And Numbers Listed By State (Revised April 2016) The Following Is A List Of Continuums Of C
2015-2016 · PDF
GREEN PROCUREMENT GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
2014 · PDF
PA - 2043 - DGS’ Statement of Policy(opens in a new tab)
2013 · PDF
Google Alerts Sign In Page
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PA - 2026 - RHTP Payment Budget Worksheet
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PA - 2026 - Disaster Emergency Suppliers
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PA - 2026 - Iran Free Procurement List
PA - 2026 - numerous agencies and organizations(opens in a new tab)
PA - 2026 - supplier contact form (opens in a new tab)
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PA - 2026 - Supplier Registration Guide
PA - 2026 - DGS Bureau of Procurement staff
PA - 2026 - Steel Products Procurement Act as amended(opens in a new tab)