638841 - FY26 RFP BHTHPTR26093 for Opioid Settlement Funding

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Division of Behavioral Health, is offering funding through RFP BHTHPTR26093 to support opioid abatement efforts across the state. This funding opportunity is rooted in Iowa’s share of the national opioid settlement agreements, which are expected to provide the state with approximately $345 million over 18 years. The Iowa legislature appropriated 75% of the state’s portion of these funds to Iowa HHS for the purpose of addressing the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The funds come from the Iowa Opioid Settlement Fund and are governed by statutory requirements outlined in House File 1038. The purpose of this RFP is to identify and support Iowa-based organizations capable of delivering services aligned with approved opioid abatement strategies defined in Exhibit E of the national settlement agreements. Eligible applicants must demonstrate at least two years of experience providing such services and must meet all additional legal and programmatic requirements established under Iowa law. Funding will be allocated to projects that provide evidence-based or community-based strategies that are supportive, stigma-free, and accessible to individuals and communities affected by opioid misuse. Applications must outline plans to support the use of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), distribute overdose reversal medications (OORM), and provide trauma-informed services in collaboration with other stakeholders. The contract period will run from January 9, 2026, to January 8, 2028, with an initial one-year term and an optional one-year extension at the agency’s discretion. Individual awards may not exceed $1,000,000, and the agency anticipates funding at least seven projects, with a total program allocation of approximately $7,000,000. Contracts will be reimbursed monthly based on submitted documentation of expenses and deliverables. While matching funds are not required, applications with at least a 25% match will receive additional consideration during scoring. Applicants must submit complete proposals through the IowaGrants.gov portal by 4:00 p.m. Central Time on December 2, 2025. The application must include detailed information on project work plans, staffing, budgets, service delivery locations, and performance measurement. Key evaluation criteria include identifying gaps and needs, the strength of the proposed project design, demonstrated partnerships, sustainability, and data collection plans. Applications will be reviewed in a three-phase process including technical compliance, scoring by a review committee, and final selection by Iowa HHS based on program needs and geographic distribution. Proposals must comply with all restrictions on the use of funds, including prohibitions on equipment purchases, marijuana-related treatments, inpatient services, and direct payments to participants. Allowable costs include staff salaries, fringe benefits, subcontracted services, outreach, and operational support, provided they meet administrative cost caps. Projects must also demonstrate commitment to health equity, community engagement, and transparency through ongoing reporting and collaboration with the local board of health. The point of contact for this funding opportunity is John McMullen, who can be reached at (515) 416-8565 or john.mcmullen@hhs.iowa.gov. A Notice of Intent to Award will be published on December 23, 2025, and successful applicants will be expected to begin service delivery no later than 30 to 60 days following contract execution, depending on the nature of the program. Incentive payments of 3% may be awarded to grantees who begin service within this timeframe and meet all documentation requirements.

Start early in IowaGrants portal due to multiple required forms. Confirm eligibility and collaborate with partners to secure letters of support. Ensure fidelity to Exhibit E strategies and provide strong data on population need.