Timeline Reality
Alaska’s first budget period: December 29, 2025 to October 30, 2026. Funds must be fully expended by September 30, 2027. With spring 2026 awards expected, the actual execution window is approximately 6-7 months for obligation and 18 months for expenditure. Every evaluation system must be operational before the first dollar is spent.
Building a Logic Model
Logic Model Components for RHTP
- Inputs: RHTP funding amount, staff FTE, partner contributions, existing infrastructure.
- Activities: What the project does. Training sessions, telehealth visits, providers recruited, equipment installed.
- Outputs: Countable products. Number of providers trained, patients served, communities reached.
- Short-term Outcomes (6-12 months): Increased provider knowledge, expanded service hours, new telehealth connections, reduced wait times.
- Long-term Outcomes (1-5 years): Improved health outcomes, reduced emergency transfers, sustainable payment models.
Practical Tip
Build the logic model backward. Start with the long-term outcome, then work backward to short-term outcomes, outputs, activities, and inputs. This ensures every activity has a clear purpose and every dollar has a traceable path to impact.
Data Collection Framework
Establish Baselines Immediately
Before any RHTP-funded activity begins, document the current state of every metric. Without baselines, demonstrating impact is impossible.
| Data Category | Examples | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Service Delivery | Patients served, visits conducted, services by type, geographic coverage | Continuous / Monthly |
| Workforce | Positions filled, vacancies, retention rates, training completions | Monthly |
| Technology | Telehealth visits, system uptime, data exchange volume, user adoption | Continuous / Monthly |
| Financial | Expenditure rate vs. budget, cost per service unit, leveraged funding | Monthly |
| Outcomes | Health indicators, patient satisfaction, access metrics, quality measures | Quarterly |
| Qualitative | Patient stories, provider testimonials, community feedback, lessons learned | Ongoing |
Small Organization Data Collection
A well-maintained spreadsheet with consistent data entry is more valuable than a complex database nobody updates. Designate one staff member as data lead. Build data entry into daily/weekly routines.
Quarterly Report Structure
Report Structure (Typical)
- Executive Summary: One paragraph on the quarter’s key accomplishments and challenges.
- Progress Against Work Plan: Status of each activity (on track, delayed, completed, modified).
- Quantitative Data: Output metrics compared to targets and baseline.
- Financial Summary: Expenditures by category, budget-to-actual comparison, projected burn rate.
- Challenges and Corrective Actions: Problems encountered and steps taken. CMS appreciates honesty.
- Next Quarter Plans: Key activities and milestones planned.
Sustainability Planning
Year 1 to Year 2 Transition Strategy
- Document everything quantitatively. Numbers in quarterly reports directly feed the state’s case to CMS for year-two funding.
- Collect qualitative evidence. Patient stories and community impact narratives are powerful in funding applications.
- Demonstrate partnership leverage. Show RHTP funds are catalyzing additional investment.
- Identify scalable elements. CMS values models that can replicate in other regions.
Long-Term Financial Sustainability
- Revenue generation: Will services generate reimbursable revenue (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance)?
- Cost reduction: Does the project reduce costs elsewhere (fewer emergency transfers, fewer hospitalizations)?
- Policy integration: Can the program be embedded into state or tribal health system operations?
- Diversified funding: Other federal, state, philanthropic, or private sources?
Year-One Milestone Timeline
Award to Month 3
Administrative setup, baseline data, partnership formalization
- Complete all administrative setup (see Quick Start Guide)
- Collect baseline data for all outcome metrics
- Finalize work plan with measurable milestones
- Execute partnership agreements
- Begin procurement for equipment/services
Months 4-6
Initial service delivery, first quarterly report, course corrections
- Begin service delivery per work plan
- Submit first quarterly progress report
- Conduct first internal budget review
- Identify and address implementation barriers
- Begin documenting early outcomes
Months 7-9 (Approaching Obligation Deadline)
Full implementation, all funds obligated
- All funds must be obligated by October 30, 2026
- Submit second quarterly report
- Prepare sustainability evidence for year-two application
- Conduct mid-project outcome assessment
Months 10-18 (Expenditure Period)
Complete activities, expend funds, final reporting
- Complete all funded activities
- All obligated funds fully expended by September 30, 2027
- Submit remaining quarterly and annual reports
- Compile final outcomes report and lessons learned
- Submit year-two funding application
External Evaluation & Sustainability Resources
Evaluation frameworks based on CDC and RHIhub models. Consult with the state RHTP team for specific reporting requirements.