Rural Health Transformation Pharmacy Grant Program

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is offering a funding opportunity through a Request for Proposal (RFP) titled Rural Health Transformation Pharmacy Initiative. This initiative is part of the broader Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which was authorized under federal legislation to strengthen healthcare delivery systems in rural communities. The program aligns with national priorities established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, focusing on improving access, enhancing workforce capacity, fostering innovation in care delivery, and advancing health technology adoption. The RFP seeks a qualified organization to support the transformation of pharmacy services across rural Ohio. The primary purpose of this initiative is to expand the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in rural healthcare systems. The selected contractor will implement systems and policy changes that allow pharmacists to operate under an expanded scope of practice. This includes providing training and technical assistance to pharmacists and pharmacy staff to improve their ability to deliver services such as chronic disease management, care coordination, and prevention of adverse drug events. The initiative emphasizes integrating pharmacies into broader healthcare networks to ensure patients receive appropriate care at the right time and location. Funding for this opportunity is capped at two million dollars for the project period, with a single award anticipated. The initial project period is expected to run from April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for up to four additional years in two optional two-year increments, subject to funding availability and performance. Administrative costs are limited to no more than ten percent of the total award, with the majority of funds required to support direct programmatic activities such as technical assistance, workforce development, and system integration. Eligible applicants must demonstrate substantial experience working with pharmacists and pharmacies in Ohio, particularly in rural areas. Offerors must have at least five years of relevant experience and must include at least one full-time equivalent pharmacist licensed in Ohio as part of their staffing plan. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to manage federal funds, comply with reporting requirements, and execute the technical and operational components outlined in the scope of work. The application process requires submission through the Ohio Buys platform. Applicants must adhere to a structured timeline that includes an inquiry period, a bidder conference, and a firm submission deadline. All application components must be clearly labeled and submitted by the stated deadline. Required deliverables include a comprehensive workplan, quarterly and annual reports, participation in monthly meetings, and documentation of outcomes and best practices throughout the project lifecycle. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical criteria including organizational experience, staffing capacity, and the quality of the proposed work plan. Specific emphasis is placed on the applicant’s ability to conduct needs assessments, implement pilot projects, scale successful models, and provide training and technical assistance. Scoring includes technical and cost proposals as well as considerations for minority business enterprise participation. The timeline for this opportunity includes solicitation postings in January 2026, a bidder conference on January 20, 2026, an inquiry deadline of February 25, 2026, and a final application deadline of March 11, 2026. The project includes ongoing reporting and deliverable milestones, with key outputs required within the first year and continued evaluation and scaling activities extending through the potential renewal periods.

Ensure strong alignment with evaluation criteria including work plan quality, rural pharmacy experience, and scalability of pilot programs; emphasize workforce development and technical integration capacity