A request for information (RFI) opportunity was posted at bids.mt.gov. 

• Title: Rural Health Care Workforce Retention, DLI-RFI-2027-0091   
• Open Date: Aug. 12, 2026 
• Close Date: Aug. 31, 2 p.m. MDT  

Background on the RFI: 

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), as a part of the Workforce Initiative of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), is requesting information from stakeholders related to the mental well-being of the health care workforce (medical, dental, behavioral, and public health).  DLI is seeking information relating to existing data sets regarding workplace wellness, as well as existing programs or pilot initiatives to extend support to providers in rural and frontier communities.   

DLI is also inviting recommendations on how to structure a future procurement(s) or grant-funded project(s), including whether to separate baseline data work from intervention work, use one or multiple vendors, begin with a planning or pilot phase, prioritize particular occupations or regions, and define appropriate deliverables, measures, timelines, and risk considerations. 

Two CoE Requests for Proposals (RFPs) opportunities were posted at bids.mt.gov.

Background on these RFPs:

The CoE, created and operated by the CoE Strategy and Analytics vendor, will serve as the strategic heart of the RHTP and will be driven by three primary objectives:

• Data-Driven Strategy: The CoE will analyze rural health supply and demand to provide county- and facility-level recommendations, ensuring care delivery aligns with the specific needs of Montana’s rural and frontier communities.
• Long-Term Sustainability: The CoE will help participating facilities develop roadmaps to achieve independent, positive operating margins without the need for ongoing state support.
• Performance Incentives: Through a voluntary opt-in program, facilities that implement CoE recommendations and meet measurable improvements in care quality, patient access, and financial performance will be eligible for incentive payments. More information on how  providers, facilities, and organizations can participate in the CoE and the associated funding opportunities will be released in the coming months.

One RFP seeks a contractor to assist the Department in delivering the three objectives outlined above. This opportunity expired on 5/15/26 at 2 p.m. MDT.

The second component of the CoE plan is the establishment of a partner to assist rural facilities in implementing the recommendations. Through the second RFP, DPHHS seeks to contract with a dedicated implementation partner to provide hands-on technical expertise and change management resources tailored to each Montana community's unique circumstances. This opportunity expired on 5/21/26 at 2 p.m. MDT.

A Request for Proposal (FRP) opportunity was posted at bids.mt.gov. 

• Title: Rural Physician/APP Recruitment, DLI-RFP-2026-0088DL 
• Open Date: 6/26/26 
• Close Date: 7/16/2026, 2 p.m. MDT 

Background on the RFP: 
Under the State of Montana’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grant, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide integrated talent attraction, marketing, and direct professional recruitment services to support healthcare employers across Montana’s rural and frontier counties.  Prospective applicants can be a single firm that provides both talent attraction and direct professional recruitment, or a team of entities that collectively provide both services. Montana DLI may make a single award or multiple awards under this RFP.  Proposals may address recruitment of physicians, advanced practiced providers, registered nurses, or any combination of those occupations.