The Iowa Department of Public Health is examining how we can best align and deliver services for WIC, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH), I-Smile™, 1st Five, and Family Planning (Title X) clients and is exploring the option for pre-determined collaborative service areas (CSA) for the programs. This modification allows a design collaborative approach to be applied to address the needs of the people who will be receiving services and the infrastructure that enables them to be served. The Family Planning (Title X) CSA may vary slightly based on the final approval of the competitive federal Title X application.
- Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 1/13/22)
December 30, 2021 Update:
This table summarizes the programs that are impacted by the Collaborative Service Areas (CSA). Because these programs are due for competitive selection in 2022, for planning purposes, IDPH is sharing the table below which outlines the program and the anticipated release date for the Request for Proposals (RFP). Please note that the anticipated/approximate posting date is subject to change at IDPH’s discretion. Interested applicants must monitor the IowaGrants site for actual posting and other relevant dates.
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September 2, 2021 Update:
HPCDP Division leadership conducted a final review of program and population data, RFI responses and public comments. Based on the information reviewed, we are releasing the final* draft CSA map that will be the foundation for the upcoming WIC, MCAH/I-Smile and 1st Five RFPs. Our intention in publicly releasing the map is to allow interested organizations and community partners to begin planning or strengthening collaborations within the defined service areas.
*While we do not anticipate any forthcoming changes to the map, the map will not be considered final until it is released with the upcoming RFPs.
July 8, 2021 Update:
The Department continues to review the feedback received during and after the public comment period in September 2020, programmatic and population-based data and other relevant information to determine final Collaborative Service Areas (CSAs). As we finalize the CSAs, our goal remains to provide the most effective services to the clients that we serve through the WIC, MCAH, I-Smile and 1st Five Programs. The CSAs seek to foster local collaboration, allow for consistency between contractors,
and provide space for contractors to meet the needs of the clients living within the CSA. There are no pre-determined number of CSAs. The final number of CSAs may increase or decrease based upon information reviewed, public health data and community needs of the clients we serve.
On May 18, 2021, the Department released a Request for Information (RFI) to build organizational profiles of community-based organizations that may be interested in providing or partnering with Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH); I-Smile™; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); and 1st Five services in Iowa. The Department has reviewed the information submitted and has determined that we do not need to follow up with respondents for
additional information. Information on the RFI and subsequent responses can be found in the links below.
- Request for Information - Organizational Profiles to Inform MCAH, I-Smile, 1st Five and WIC Programs
- Responses - Organizational Profiles to Inform MCAH, I-Smile, 1st Five and WIC Programs*
*The information contained in the RFI responses are solely based on the agency/organization’s submission and have not been verified by the Department.
November 6, 2020 Update:
Based on feedback received during the public comment period (Sept. 15-29), the Department made revisions to the map.
The purpose of releasing the map prior to the release of any RFP is to allow adequate time for agencies to build partnerships and planning for RFP development.
It was also determined that it would be beneficial for both the Department and local contractors to delay the WIC RFP. The WIC RFP will be released for FFY2023, with contracts starting October 1, 2022. The Department will be staggering the release of the WIC and MCAH/I-Smile RFPs to avoid as much overlap in timing as possible. The WIC program will be releasing a continuation RFA for FFY2022.
Roll out of the CSAs will adhere to the following revised timeline:
- FFY2023 - WIC RFP (Oct. 1, 2022)
- FFY2023 - MCAH/I-Smile™ RFP (Oct 1, 2022)
- SFY2023 - 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative RFP (Oct. 1, 2022)
Click the following links for current information on the programs included in the proposed CSAs:
September 15, 2020 Update:
The intent is to have a maximum one contractor for WIC per service area and one contractor for MCAH/I-Smile™/1st Five per service area. It may also be possible for there to be a single contractor for all programs. Roll out of the standard service areas will adhere to the following timeline:
- FFY2022 - WIC RFP (Oct. 1, 2021)
- FFY2023 - MCAH/I-Smile™ RFP (Oct 1, 2022)
- SFY2023 - 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative RFP (Oct. 1, 2022)
Strong partnerships within each service area will be required including creativity and collaboration among community partners including sub-contractual relationships ensuring equitable services for clients. We look forward to receiving constructive comments from contractors, partners and interested parties regarding the draft service areas to assist the Department in providing the best services possible the MCAH/WIC populations.
On September 15, 2020, a statewide webinar was held to provide information about the proposed collaborative service areas. To view the presentation from that meeting, please click on the link below. The slide deck and supporting data that were distributed at the meeting are also linked below.
- Proposed CSA Meeting – Sept. 15, 2020 video
- Proposed CSA Presentation slides
- Proposed CSA Supporting Data
The new CSAs will create stronger partnerships and allow for the best use of resources achieving improved health outcomes for the populations being served. The goal is to effectively serve families and provide consistency between programs along with appropriate funding to support the work.
The proposed map was developed using program and population data. The Department is looking for things that the quantitative data doesn’t show. Please provide any positive aspects or concerns of the proposed CSAs. Comments may address any of the following:
- Potential number of clients to be served
- Physical area (distance) to be covered
- Service delivery models
- Community partnerships
- Potential subcontracting
- Ability to assure quality services and meet health needs of both rural and urban clients, relative to service area size.
- Other considerations
If you would like to submit written comments on the proposed CSA, please send your comment to MCH@idph.iowa.gov with the subject line of Collaborative Service Area Comments by Sept. 29, 2020. In case there is follow-up needed, please include your name and contact information with your comment. Comments will be released on this website on the following schedule:
- Round 1: Sept. 22
- Round 2: Sept. 30