NQIIC IDIQ RFI 2023.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Agency/Office: Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Clinical Standards and Quality

Type of Notice: Request for Information

Reference No.: HHS-CMS-RFI-2023-NQIIC-CONTRACTOR-INTEREST

Title: Request for Information to Determine Interest in Network of Quality

Improvement and Innovation Contractors (NQIIC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

Classification R – Professional, Administrative, and Management Support Services Code:

NAICS Code: 541618 Other Management Consulting Services

Response Date: By 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time on May 5, 2023

SUMMARY: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeks information through this Request for Information (RFI) from the community to gauge interest to initiate an open season to add new contractors to the Network of Quality Improvement and Innovation Contractors (NQIIC) IDIQ contract, in support of CMS shaping a resilient, high-value health care system which promotes quality outcomes, safety, equity, and accessibility for all individuals. Detailed information about the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program can be found at (https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and- Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/qio110c01.pdf)

Important: CMS will use the information collected through this RFI notice to determine whether or not it would be in the Government’s best interest to initiate an open season to add additional contractors to the NQIIC IDIQ. While entrance into the NQIIC IDIQ contract itself does not require an organization to be a QIO, it is important to note that there are certain task orders which will require an organization to meet the statutory requirements as a QIO.

RESPONSE FORMAT: CMS requests responses to this RFI in the form of a white paper. White papers shall be submitted in Microsoft Word (Times New Roman, 12-point font). White papers shall be submitted via email only to the primary points of contact listed below. CMS will not accept hard-copy responses.

For responses to be considered, white papers shall consist of two sections and provide the information described below.

• Section I. Contractor’s Name, mailing address, phone number, and email of designated point of contact.

• Section II (NO MORE THAN 10 PAGES). Complete and concise responses to each of the three questions listed below.

BACKGROUND: The QIO Program is one of the largest federal programs dedicated to improving health outcomes by ensuring quality and safety in the delivery of services. By law, the mission of the QIO Program is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, economy, and quality of services delivered to Medicare beneficiaries. In March 2019, CMS created the NQIIC IDIQ to create flexibility and efficiencies in contracting as a means of procuring services to implement quality improvement programs and support those programs, at the best value to the government.

The QIO Program has been making large strides in improving care for Medicare beneficiaries and generating value to taxpayers however; there remains considerably more work be done to improve the quality and efficiency of the U.S. healthcare system. The CMS National Quality Strategy seeks to take a person-centered approach to quality and safety and seeks to improve the overall care journey as individuals move across the continuum of care, from home or community-based settings to hospitals and post-acute care, while continuing to eliminate inequity.

In particular, CMS seeks input on the capabilities of potential contractors for the NQIIC IDIQ, for quality improvement work and in support of the quality improvement programs.

QUESTIONS: Responders should review the following web link for information about program, policy issues, and context associated with this RFI and the respondent questions referenced below.

• https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Internet-Only- Manuals-IOMs-Items/CMS019035.html )

CMS asks that each respondent address each of the following questions:

1. Describe your business entity and how it is formed and administered as per Federal/State law in order to engage in allowable business activities, charitable work, or other activities.

2. Describe if your organization meets the following statutory requirements to qualify as a QIO - 42 CFR 475.101 - Eligibility requirements for QIO contracts. 42 CFR 475.101. (Answering ‘no’ is acceptable for any applicant wishing to respond to the NQIIC IDIQ RFI).

3. What is your capability to perform healthcare quality improvement work? Your statement must demonstrate your capacity and capability to successfully perform the required quality improvement work, including:

Addressing the evolving challenges of a post-pandemic health system, particularly small, rural, and urban providers, those serving vulnerable populations, and those with limited access to quality improvement resources.

Data-driven approach to identify, address, and evaluate healthcare quality and safety gaps

Experience in deploying rapid cycle quality improvement interventions that are not based on education and training alone, and those that incorporate modern technology and advanced data analytics capability https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Internet-Only-Manuals-IOMs-Items/CMS019035.html https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Internet-Only-Manuals-IOMs-Items/CMS019035.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-F/part-475/subpart-C/section-475.101

Measuring, tracking and documenting results and outcomes Engagement capability with stakeholders and providers within a stressed health system that reduces burden and adds value/real benefit for quality improvement activities

CMS cross-cutting initiatives such as; setting up national expert faculty boards, elevating stakeholder voices through active engagement, behavioral health, maternity care, rural health, developing health care and system resiliency, safety and quality of care in nursing homes, using data to drive decision-making, and integrating Medicare, Medicaid/CHIP, and the marketplace.

Important components and requirements of NQIIC contractors include the following:

o Ability to engage and assist providers identified by CMS, who serve populations where health disparities and health inequities likely exist and who have limited access to Quality Improvement (QI) resources.

o Target QI models where evidence suggests they will improve outcomes.

o Ensure that the collection and use of data, which is foundational to all QI, is brought into the modern age with state-of-the-art IT systems for data ingestion, management, analysis and collaboration leveraging Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR) standards to advance technology to reduce quality reporting burden and increase interoperability for our healthcare community.

o Improve effectiveness and accountability through an integrated community health model and seamless coordination between the various provider settings in the community.

o Engage beneficiaries and their families (caregivers) as an essential element in establishing a person-centered approach to care.

o Provide expert strategic communication, national training, and program evaluation expertise.

o Use data to drive innovation and change o Have processes and facilities that ensure controls and safeguarding of medical records and personally identifiable information. (Controls should be following HIPAA and CMS compliance and established protocols for records management).

o Installing and operationally maintaining a contractor provided computing based network meeting applicable FISMA and NIST standards including but not limited to the following:

Secure file storage Issuing and maintaining necessary laptops/desktops Providing a persistent internet connection with adequate bandwidth to support necessary transactional and file transfer requirements.

o SPECIAL NOTE TO RESPONDENTS: Respondents are asked to draw their responses from objective and actionable evidence and to cite this evidence within their responses.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute an RFP. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Further, CMS is not seeking proposals through this solicitation and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S.

Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI;

all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future procurement, if conducted. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

CMS may or may not choose to contact responders. Such communications would only serve to clarify written responses further.

The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. This RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

CMS CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS (FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY):

7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

PRIMARY POINTS OF CONTACT:

Domonique Sparks, Contract Specialist Domonique.Sparks@cms.hhs.gov

Candace Letts, Contract Specialist Candace.Letts@cms.hhs.gov

Kelley Williams-Vollmer, Contracting Officer Kelley.Williams-Vollmer@cms.hhs.gov

Michael Milanese, Contracting Officer Michael.Milanese@cms.hhs.gov mailto:Domonique.Sparks@cms.hhs.gov mailto:Candace.Letts@cms.hhs.gov mailto:Kelley.Williams-Vollmer@cms.hhs.gov mailto:Michael.Milanese@cms.hhs.gov