Community Information Exchange (CIE) Closed Loop Referral Technology for Social Needs

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Procurement Services (DAS PS) is initiating a Special Procurement process to directly award and negotiate Price Agreements (PAs) for closed loop referral technology platforms specifically focused on social needs coordination. The procurement targets two solution providers actively operating in Oregon: Unite Us (branded as Connect Oregon) and findhelp. The primary objective is to enable State Agencies and Oregon Cooperative Procurement Program (OrCPP) Members to efficiently procure technology platforms that support coordinated referrals and address social determinants of health. This procurement will facilitate seamless information exchange and referral processes across various social service and healthcare organizations. The special procurement is designed to align state agencies with existing referral technology platforms already utilized by Oregon's Medicaid Coordinated Care Organizations. Potential users include the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), among other state agencies. The procurement notice was posted on August 16, 2024, with a deadline for protests of August 23, 2024, allowing seven calendar days for potential objections to the special procurement approach.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The proposed contract encompasses technology platforms that enable closed-loop referrals for social needs, with Unite Us and findhelp identified as the primary solution providers. The cumulative not-to-exceed estimated contract value is $21 million over five years, specifically for OHA and ODHS, with additional potential spending for other state agencies and OrCPP Members yet to be determined. DAS PS has reserved the flexibility to adjust or modify contracts should the market landscape change in the future. The procurement aims to leverage existing referral networks to promote cost savings and maintain continuity in social service coordination. By selecting providers already integrated with Medicaid Coordinated Care Organizations, the state seeks to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency in social needs referral systems. The procurement approach emphasizes building upon established technological infrastructure rather than introducing potentially fragmenting new systems.