Rural Health Innovation Fund

The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) is administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) as part of the state’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT Program), which is supported by federal funding through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HCA is responsible for overseeing strategic health initiatives across the state and is using this funding opportunity to address persistent disparities in rural, frontier, and Tribal communities. These communities face challenges such as workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, geographic isolation, and gaps in access to specialty and preventive care. RHIF is designed as an implementation-focused funding mechanism to support practical, scalable, and sustainable health care innovations that directly improve outcomes and access for underserved populations in New Mexico. The primary purpose of RHIF is to fund projects that address clearly identified health care challenges and demonstrate a strong connection to rural or Tribal populations within New Mexico. Applicants must propose implementation-ready solutions that improve access, capacity, coordination, quality, or sustainability of health care services. The program does not prescribe a specific intervention model, allowing applicants to propose diverse solutions such as expanding service lines, investing in technology, improving care coordination, or deploying high-cost equipment. Projects must be community-informed and demonstrate measurable outcomes, aligning with both state priorities and federal program requirements. Funding is intended strictly for project-based implementation and cannot be used for general operating support or to replace existing funding streams. Allowable uses include personnel costs for project staff, equipment, technology, training, service delivery activities, and data collection or evaluation. Certain costs, such as administrative expenses, capital expenditures, and electronic medical record replacements, are subject to strict caps and prior approval requirements. Prohibited uses include duplicative funding, reimbursable clinical services, lobbying, new construction, and other restricted activities under federal guidelines. Administrative costs are limited at the program level, and applicants must clearly distinguish between administrative and direct program expenses. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as health care providers, Tribal organizations, community-based organizations, local governments, academic institutions, and private sector partners like vendors or technology companies, provided they demonstrate a direct role in implementation and a clear connection to New Mexico communities. Projects may be led by a single organization or involve partnerships, but the lead applicant remains responsible for all compliance, reporting, and performance obligations. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, financial stability, and experience managing projects or public funding. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Submittable platform by the stated deadline. The submission must include a comprehensive proposal consisting of a project narrative, workplan, budget, performance measures, and required certifications. Mandatory components include a signed Letter of Transmittal, financial documentation, and responses to contract terms. The evaluation process includes review of technical merit, organizational capacity, project feasibility, sustainability, and budget alignment. Cost is not evaluated based on lowest price but rather on reasonableness and alignment with proposed outcomes. The application timeline begins with the release of the RFP on June 30, 2026, with proposals due by July 27, 2026. Additional milestones include a pre-proposal conference, submission of written questions, and a structured evaluation process that may include finalist presentations and best and final offers. Awards are anticipated around October 1, 2026, with project implementation beginning shortly thereafter. The initial performance period spans from October 2026 through September 2027, with potential contract extensions depending on funding and program needs. Applicants are expected to provide clear performance metrics, reporting plans, and sustainability strategies demonstrating how the project will continue beyond the funding period. HCA maintains strict oversight, requiring regular reporting, financial accountability, and compliance with federal and state regulations. Contact for procurement-related inquiries is limited to the designated Procurement Manager, ensuring a controlled and transparent application process.

Ensure strong alignment between project need, implementation plan, and budget; demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability beyond funding; clearly show connection to New Mexico rural or Tribal communities; avoid duplication with existing programs