Technology as an Extender Grant Program

The Technology as an Extender funding opportunity is administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services under the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federally funded initiative established through Public Law 119-21 and overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The broader program allocates significant funding to improve healthcare delivery systems in rural communities, including tribal populations, by modernizing care infrastructure and strengthening workforce capacity. This specific funding opportunity aligns with the initiative focused on stabilizing and expanding the rural healthcare workforce through innovative technological solutions. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support rural healthcare facilities in adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence applications, robotics, and remote patient monitoring systems. These tools are intended to mitigate workforce shortages, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and streamline clinical and administrative workflows. By automating routine processes and improving care coordination, funded projects are expected to expand service capacity while maintaining high-quality patient care. The program emphasizes sustainable, long-term improvements that reduce operational costs and increase access to care for underserved rural populations. Funding can be used for the acquisition of eligible technologies and vendor-provided training necessary to implement these systems. Allowable uses include facility-based remote patient monitoring devices, clinical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters, AI-enabled tools for triage and care navigation, and robotics for routine tasks like cleaning and disinfection. Personnel costs for staff time are not allowable, and funds cannot be used for duplicative purchases or to replace existing funding sources. Additional federal cost restrictions apply, including limitations on certain capital expenditures and prohibitions on indirect administrative costs. Eligibility is limited to rural healthcare facilities serving North Dakota residents, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, clinics, federally qualified health centers, tribal health facilities, and long-term care providers. Applicants located in urban areas may still qualify if at least half of the population served is rural or if the project directly benefits rural residents. Each organization may submit only one application for this opportunity, though multiple strategies may be included within that application if prioritized and justified. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Qualtrics platform and include a completed budget using the required itemized template, along with detailed responses to narrative questions covering organizational background, project design, and implementation strategy. The evaluation process is based entirely on submitted materials and considers factors such as alignment with program goals, feasibility, measurable outcomes, and contribution to rural healthcare improvements. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed technology solutions will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes. The application deadline is August 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. Central Time. The performance period begins upon execution of the agreement and extends through August 31, 2027, during which all funds must be fully expended and deliverables completed. Approximately five million dollars in total funding is available for the first year, with an estimated twenty awards averaging two hundred fifty thousand dollars each. Successful applicants may be required to submit reports for up to five years following the award. Technical assistance is available through a scheduled conference call and follow-up resources, including frequently asked questions published by the program. Applicants are encouraged to submit questions in advance of the deadline to ensure clarity on requirements. While specific individual contacts are not named, support is available through regional development councils and program-managed communication channels. This funding opportunity represents a targeted investment in scalable, technology-driven solutions designed to transform rural healthcare delivery and improve long-term system resilience.

Focus on demonstrating measurable impact on rural healthcare access and workforce efficiency prioritize innovative technology use and clearly align strategies with stated program metrics