Rural Health Transformation Plan Update: Next Steps

The South Dakota Department of Health hosted a Rural Health Transformation Plan informational webinar on Thursday February 19, 2026, for health care providers and stakeholders across the state. The purpose of the webinar is to provide an overview of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Plan initiatives, outline anticipated timelines, and ensure providers are prepared for upcoming opportunities.

During the webinar, state officials shared that final implementation is contingent upon budget approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Once approval is received, the state intends to release contract and grant opportunities through the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration portal at sd.gov/bhra which is housed within the Central Bid Exchange on the South Dakota Bureau of Administration website under the Office of Procurement Management.

The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) encourages members to take proactive steps to position their organizations for success while awaiting CMS approval:

Recommended Next Steps

1. Monitor the Rural Health Transformation webpage
   Regularly visit ruralhealthtransformation.sd.gov for the latest updates and announcements. The site includes helpful resources such as one-page summaries outlining each initiative, as well as a mechanism to submit questions or comments. Consider bookmarking this page for easy access.
2. Begin internal planning discussions
   Engage leadership and key stakeholders within your organization to discuss potential projects aligned with the plan’s initiatives. Identify partnership opportunities and assess organizational readiness in advance of funding announcements.
3. Register on the Central Bid Exchange
   Visit sd.gov/bhra to register for contract and grant opportunities, set up notification alerts, browse current solicitations, and complete the SB189 Vendor Certification Form (if not already on file). Early registration will help avoid delays once opportunities are released.
4. Verify SAM.gov registration
   If your organization plans to apply for grant funding, confirm that your SAM.gov registration is active and up to date. If you are uncertain of your status, consult the individual within your organization who manages grant submissions.

SDAHO will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as additional information becomes available. We encourage members to remain engaged and prepared as the Rural Health Transformation Plan moves forward.