Rural Health Workforce Pipeline: Pathways, Upskilling, and Retention (Round 2)

Summary

The Rural Health Workforce Pipeline: Pathways, Upskilling, and Retention (Round 2) RFP funds major investments in developing, upskilling, and retaining healthcare professionals in Ohio’s rural counties. This initiative, part of the Ohio Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), prioritizes integrated workforce pipelines, education partnerships, work-based learning, and retention incentives. Applicants must address workforce shortages, chronic disease, and sustainable rural healthcare through collaboration with schools, colleges, employers, and health facilities. Service commitments in RHTP sites and upskilling strategies are strongly encouraged. Funding is aligned with federal CMS priorities under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include rural health providers, local health districts, nonprofit organizations, and other entities serving rural Ohio. For this MBE set-aside solicitation, only bidders/suppliers with an active MBE certification as of the solicitation close date may submit a response. Refer to RFP DOH59715 for full categorical eligibility and counties of focus.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must submit a complete application as outlined in RFP DOH59715 via the OhioBuys Supplier Portal. Attendance at the bidders conference (1/13/2026, 1:30 p.m.) is recommended, not required. All technical, administrative, and cost proposal requirements are detailed in the RFP, including workforce planning milestones, reporting, incentives for recruitment and retention, and project evaluation.