On February 16, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that New York was chosen as one of seven "Early Innovator" states. The State received a grant award of $27.4 million over two years to design and implement the information technology (IT) infrastructure needed to operate the Exchange, including eligibility and enrollment systems. As an early innovator, the State will share components it develops with other states to use as they develop their Exchanges. On July 15, 2011, the State Department of Health posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the New York State Health Benefit Exchange. On September 26, 2011, the State Department of Health posted an RFP for Quality Assurance Services for the New York State Health Benefit Exchange.