Ship

Background

The West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH), Bureau for Public Health (BPH), Office of Community Health Systems and Health Promotion, Division of Rural Health and Recruitment/State Office of Rural Health is announcing funding availability for the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP). This program aims to support small rural hospitals in West Virginia in meeting value-based payment and care goals through investments in hardware, software, and training. The SHIP program is authorized by section 1820(g)(3) of the Social Security Act and is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP).

Work Details

Eligible applicants include small rural hospitals and non-profit organizations licensed to operate as businesses in West Virginia. The funding can be used for activities that support eligible hospitals in meeting value-based payment and care goals through purchases of hardware, software, and training. Specific activities include: 1. Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Investment Activities 2. Accountable Care Organization (ACO) or Shared Savings Investment Activities 3. Payment Bundling (PB) or Prospective Payment System (PPS) Investment Activities. Performance objectives include improving timely care and access to specialists via telehealth services for behavioral health, stroke, hospitalist, and palliative care. Activities involve purchasing and maintaining access to a telehealth software platform, coordinating with vendors for system maintenance, and offering telehealth appointments for beneficiaries facing barriers.

Period of Performance

The funding opportunity is based on an approved budget for an 11-month period from July 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.

Place of Performance

The contract will be performed statewide across West Virginia.

Bidder Requirements

Eligible applicants must have a valid West Virginia Business License or be a unit of local government. They must also be registered as a vendor in the State of West Virginia prior to the award or demonstrate proof of application. All grantees must register with SAM.gov to bid on federal contracts or receive federal funds.