DSS Issues Amendment To ToRCH Care Minor Renovation Bid Opportunity

The Missouri Department of Social Services issued an amendment to its Invitation for Bid (IFB) #DSS26009001 for the ToRCH Care Strategic Minor Renovations (Horizon 1) program. 

The updates expand and clarify eligibility criteria by evaluating financial need at the system level. The amendment also broadens the definition of qualifying “contractor facilities” and allows bundled projects under a single proposal per location. In addition, guidance is offered on eligible medical equipment, furniture, fixtures, buildings and infrastructure. Partial awards will be allowed, too.

This funding opportunity supports the design, modernization and strategic renovation of existing rural hospital facilities as part of Missouri’s state-led initiative of the Rural Health Transformation Program, known as Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care. Bids are due by 2 p.m. Thursday, June 4.

About the Rural Health Transformation Program

The Rural Health Transformation Program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), is a landmark federal initiative to strengthen rural Americans' health care access and outcomes through sustainability and innovation. Beginning in 2026, the program provides $50 billion over five years, divided equally between state-distributed funds and competitive grants to states awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Missouri's state-led initiative, known as Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care and coordinated by the MO HealthNet Division within the Missouri Department of Social Services, received a $216 million award from CMS for the first year of the program. ToRCH Care is expected to build local partnerships, expand care coordination and build capacity through a “community hub” model. Rural hospitals, clinics and provider networks are expected to be the primary recipients of these funds. These investments are especially critical as hospitals face future reductions in Medicaid state-directed payments and provider tax matching rates, which disproportionately impact rural hospitals. Members can stay up to date on ToRCH Care and other Rural Health Transformation Program news, funding opportunities and resources on MHA’s Rural Health Transformation Program webpage.