Rural Health Transformation Program - EConsult

Background

The State of Vermont, through the Agency of Human Services, has received a Rural Health Transformation (RHT) grant totaling $195 million for Year One of a five-year initiative. The goal of this grant is to enhance rural health networks, improve technology and shared operations, and strengthen the rural health workforce to ensure that Vermonters receive timely and affordable healthcare. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to provide financial support to primary care and specialist healthcare providers for the purchase or lease of electronic consultation (e-consult) technology. This technology will facilitate workforce capacity building and improve access to specialist consultations for primary care providers.

Work Details

The funding will be used for the following activities: 1. **E-Consult Technology**: Purchase or lease secure, HIPAA-compliant e-consult technology that enables asynchronous communication between primary care and specialist providers, ensuring compliance with federal standards for security and interoperability. 2. **Supporting Capabilities**: Implement necessary hardware, system integration, and cybersecurity infrastructure for e-consult service delivery while adhering to HIPAA compliance. 3. **Technical Assistance and Training**: Provide training related to technology selection, workflow integration, cybersecurity management, and regulatory compliance. 4. **Operational Readiness**: Ensure that e-consult services are integrated into routine operations effectively.

Period of Performance

The grant period is anticipated to extend from August 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, lasting a total of 14 months. Year 1 funds must be fully utilized by September 30, 2027.

Place of Performance

The contract will be performed within the State of Vermont.

Bidder Requirements

Eligible applicants include primary care and specialist practices located in Vermont as well as provider consortiums offering shared e-consult purchasing opportunities. Providers must have completed full SAM registration and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Priority will be given to practices located in rural ZIP codes as defined in the solicitation.