Attachment 1- Statement of Work_ Politico Pro 2026.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201

I. SCOPE

A. Background The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers major federal health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and national health care quality initiatives. The Office of the Administrator (OA) provides executive leadership for CMS and oversees agency-wide planning, coordination, and implementation of CMS programs and policies.

Within OA, the Office of Communications (OC) is responsible for developing and executing clear, consistent, and timely communications that support CMS programs and policy priorities.

OC provides strategic communications guidance, develops messaging and outreach materials, and supports internal and external stakeholders, while safeguarding the CMS, Medicare, and Medicaid brands.

The Office of Legislation (OL) supports CMS leadership by providing analysis, guidance, and information related to legislation and congressional activities that affect CMS programs and operations. OL coordinates responses to congressional inquiries, prepares legislative materials, and supports hearings and testimony.

The Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs (OSORA) oversees CMS’s regulatory and decision-making processes, serving as a neutral coordinator to ensure early and effective engagement across CMS program and regional offices when new policy or regulatory issues arise.

The Media Relations Group (MRG) provides strategic media and press support to OA, CMS program offices, CMS’s ten regional offices, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including coordination with the White House press team. MRG develops media messaging, prepares briefing materials, and responds to media inquiries to ensure accurate and timely communication with the press.

These offices require continuous access to specialized policy, legislative, regulatory, and media-monitoring services to support CMS mission activities. While this requirement includes access to a licensed information platform, it is properly characterized as a subscription-based information service that provides ongoing analytical content, real-time updates, expert insights, and user support throughout the period of performance.

MRG is responsible for acquiring and managing this subscription-based service for CMS users in support of these mission needs.

B. Objective The objective of this requirement is to acquire a firm-fixed-price, subscription-based information service that provides licensed access to policy, legislative, regulatory, and media-related content, along with associated user support services, necessary for CMS operations.

The service shall provide authorized CMS users with continuous access to curated content, analytical tools, and real-time updates that enable users to:

Track news coverage and key influencers affecting CMS programs Monitor legislative activity, appropriations, regulations, and congressional hearings

ൢ Media Relations Group (MRG)/Outreach Strategy - POLITICO Pro Scope of Work (SOW)

Monitor policy developments and regulatory actions Assess potential impacts on the health care industry and CMS stakeholders Review in-depth analysis related to CMS rules, initiatives, and agency actions

This requirement is structured to support an acquisition based on the unique capabilities of the service and the demonstrated ability of the vendor to meet CMS mission needs while advancing CMS small business objectives.

C. Technical Consideration The subscription shall be web-based and accessible twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, excluding scheduled maintenance periods.

II. REQUIREMENTS

A. Subscription-Based Information Service The Contractor shall provide a subscription-based information service that includes licensed access to proprietary content, analytical tools, and associated support services, in accordance with this Statement of Work. The Contractor shall provide all services, qualified personnel, equipment, materials, and account management necessary to deliver the service independently and in compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and CMS policies.

B. Tasks

The Contractor shall:

Subscription Scope

Provide a subscription-based information service for twenty-five (25) licensed CMS users.

Provide licensed users access to the service no later than the first day of the contract period of performance.

Service Capabilities

Deliver a subscription-based service that includes, at a minimum, the following capabilities:

o Provide customizable, real-time news and policy coverage relevant to CMS mission areas.

o Provide continuous (24/7) web-based access.

o Provide access to curated newsletters, alerts, and analytical content.

o Provide access to in-depth reporting, calendars, and issue-specific expert communities.

o Provide access to subscriber-only events and panel discussions featuring journalists, industry experts, and legislative leaders.

o Deliver all features and functionality described in this Statement of Work.

Access, Support, and COR Coordination

Route all coordination regarding licensed user access, account setup, customization, and technical or content-related support through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Permit the COR to coordinate directly with the proprietary content provider for licensed access and support, consistent with standard commercial practices.

Ensure delivery of news updates and alerts in real time or near real time, as available.

Designate a contractor representative to coordinate with the COR regarding account management, user changes, technical issues, and general inquiries.

Ensure the designated contractor representative responds to technical issues, customization requests, or general inquiries within twenty-four (24) hours.

ൣ Media Relations Group (MRG)/Outreach Strategy - POLITICO Pro Scope of Work (SOW)

Contractor Responsibility

Maintain responsibility for invoicing, billing, and overall contract compliance.

C. Period of Performance (PoP)

The period of performance for this requirement shall consist of a twelve (12)-month base period with one (1) twelve-month option period.

D. Deliverables

Table 1: Delivery Schedule

DELIVERABLE DUE DATE

Activate subscription-based information service

On the contract award date

Provide POLITCIO Pro licensed users web access

On the contract award date

Grant access to all licensed users On the contract award date Provide user customization and account support

Throughout the period of performance

Respond to user inquiries Throughout the period of performance Provide technical and general assistance

Throughout the period of performance

Update authorized user list, as directed by the COR

Throughout the contract period

Provide usage or status reports, if requested

Throughout the contract period