REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The AscendRural Innovation Challenge seeks technology‑enabled solutions that reduce the impact of distance on rural communities’ access to healthcare, services, and essential goods. Sourcewell, a Minnesota‑based public‑sector cooperative, invites proposals that address one or more of five problem areas: transportation access and coordination; local access to primary, specialty, and oral care; chronic‑condition management; last‑mile delivery of essentials; and strengthening the business of rural access. Solutions will be used by thousands of Sourcewell participating entities (government, education, nonprofit, tribal, etc.) across the United States. Proposals must be submitted through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal by the deadline. • Target audience: rural residents, local providers, and public agencies. • Required deliverables: a scalable, interoperable technology solution (software platform, mobile app, data analytics, or integrated service model). • Evaluation criteria focus on innovation, feasibility, cost‑effectiveness, and ability to be adopted by diverse public entities. • Mandatory pre‑bid conference (online) on Sep 1, 2026 for registration and Q&A. • No mandatory site visit; all interactions are virtual. • Submission portal only; late proposals rejected.