Synopsis_ESRD.docx

CMS-2016-ESRD-NETWORKS

SYNOPSIS

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to issue a Full and Open Competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) for the “End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Networks”.

The purpose of this requirement is to engage in a full and open competition of the current 18 ESRD Network service areas that support the ESRD Network Program and acquire ESRD Networks to carry out the requirements of Section 1881 of the Social Security Act and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, as well as, perform the project requirements in support of the National Quality Strategy (NQS) and CMS Quality Strategy administered by the Office of Clinical Standards and Quality (OCSQ).

The term “ESRD Networks” will be used to refer to entities selected by CMS to perform as a contractor for specific geographic service areas.

The ESRD Networks will serve a critical role. This role will help align Network activities with the HHS NQS, the CMS Three-Part Aim (Better Care, Better Health, Lower Cost) and other CMS priorities designed to result in improvements in the care of individuals with ESRD.

At present, the ESRD Network Program consists of 18 ESRD Networks and a National Coordinating Center (NCC) which acts as a coordinating organization to provide leadership and support for achievement of the common quality improvement goals of the ESRD Network Program (see attached map). Additional background information about the ESRD Network Program is posted on the CMS and ESRD NCC websites found here: www.CMS.gov, www.qualitynet.org, www.projectcrownweb.org, and www.esrdncc.org.

Awardees will be required to be QIO-like entities. For more information on how to become a QIO-like entity see http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/QualityImprovementOrgs/HowtoBecomeaQIO.html.

This procurement is a full and open competition, under NAICS code 541618 – Other Management Consulting Services with a Small Business Size Standard of $15 Million.

It is anticipated that CMS will award one fixed-price contract for each ESRD network for a total of 18 contract awards with a period of performance of one (1) year with four (4) option years.

This announcement is not a request for proposal (RFP). The solicitation package will be available approximately 15 to 30 calendar days after this notice and the due date of receipt of proposals are 30 days from the RFP issue date. The solicitation will be available on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Contract awards are anticipated by December 31, 2015, or earlier. It will be the Offeror's responsibility to frequently check the FedbizOpps site where the solicitation is to be posted for any amendments, changes to the RFP issue and closing date. Questions related to this synopsis should be referred to Jeannine Bohlen at Jeannine.Bohlen@cms.hhs.gov.

Contractors must be free of conflicts of interest or prepare an OCI mitigation plan to address any actual, potential or apparent organizational conflicts of interest that could arise.

All contractual and technical questions must be submitted in writing (via e-mail). Telephone questions will not be accepted. The Government is not obligated or committed to award any contract as a result of this notice. Hard copies or CD ROMs will not be available. Telephone and fax requests will not be honored.

Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract resulting from this RFP. Contractors may obtain information on SAM registration by visiting: https://www.acquisition.gov.

Source selection procedures will be used with the intent to award a firm fixed price contract to the responsible Offerors whose proposal, conforming to the Request for Proposal (RFP), is the most advantageous and offers the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered.

Please refer to this site for the actual solicitation documents once issued.