South Dakota has released the first round of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative. This first release focuses on coordinated care, digital health modernization, and project management across rural, tribal, and frontier communities. These opportunities are designed to allow healthcare organizations to implement meaningful change and deliver sustained outcomes across the state. 

Current RFP Opportunities 

The initial round includes: 

  • Digital Health Modernization and Technology Grant Program Manager

Leads statewide efforts to modernize digital health infrastructure, systems, and technology to improve care coordination, access, and data-driven decision-making 

  • Medicaid Primary Accountable Care Transformation (PACT)

Supports the development of a population-based primary care payment model, including actuarial design, quality-based reimbursement tied to performance measures, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning 

  • Department of Social Services (DSS) Project Manager

Provides cross-agency coordination and implementation support across RHT initiatives involving the Department of Social Services 

  • Project Management Support for the Chronic Disease Management Initiative

Supports statewide chronic disease efforts through project coordination, performance monitoring, budget oversight, and data and reporting alignment 

  • Caregiver Support Programming

Expands resources, education, and coordinated support for caregivers, including peer support, provider training, and increased access to respite and community-based services 

  • Chronic Disease Self-Management Programming

Expands evidence-based chronic disease self-management programs through community workshops, workforce training, and regional outreach, particularly in rural and Western South Dakota 

  • Expand & Strengthen the Rural Community Health Worker Workforce

Builds and sustains the Community Health Worker and Community Health Representative workforce through technical assistance, certification and training, financial sustainability planning, and recruitment and retention strategies 

Additional RFPs are expected as the Rural Health Transformation initiative progresses. To explore these opportunities, their requirements, and deadlines, visit the Posting Board. 

Preparing to Apply 

These opportunities are infrastructure and implementation contracts tied to statewide healthcare transformation, providing sustained impact and ongoing support rather than one-time grant funding. They offer organizations the chance to play a central role in shaping long-term healthcare delivery and system-wide improvements. 

Strong applicants will demonstrate: 

  • Operational and implementation capacity 
  • Data and quality reporting experience 
  • Workforce and system coordination capability 
  • Financial and long-term sustainability planning 

For organizations pursuing these opportunities, Burrows Consulting (now VMG Health) delivers the structure, positioning, and proposal development expertise required for confident evaluation and submission. Our team guides applicants through every step with actionable strategies, tailored messaging, and polished proposals designed to maximize your chances of success. 

Contact VMG Health or Burrows Consulting to leverage our deep industry experience and position your organization effectively, structure your proposals for impact, and advance your initiatives with clarity and purpose. 

Contributor:

Cali Rockwell