Consulting Services Cardiologist

The California Department of Health Care Access and Information, Healthcare Analytics Branch, is requesting proposals for consulting cardiologist services to support the California Cardiovascular Outcomes Reporting Program, with proposals due August 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PDT.

The core eligibility requirements are pass/fail mandatory criteria: current California medical license in good standing, board certification in cardiology, curriculum vitae demonstrating a minimum three years reviewing medical records and a minimum two years interpreting data elements for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database or relevant clinical registry, and completion of all required attachments. Proposals lacking any required attachment are rejected as non-responsive; minimum qualifications cannot be waived.

The scope centers on clinical consultation regarding STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database and CCORP data elements, interpretation of patient medical record information, assessment of statistical modeling practices, and evaluation of physician statements regarding surgical case outcomes. The consultant will respond to staff questions within three days of request, with estimated annual needs of 45 to 60 hours concentrated during September and March submission periods but occurring throughout the year. Deliverables include annual one-day training for audit teams, up to three 90-minute training videos triggered by major CCORP version changes, facilitation of up to two virtual question-and-answer sessions with data abstractors, and attendance at up to six Clinical Advisory Panel meetings.

The contract term runs August 25, 2026 through August 24, 2029. Payment is monthly in arrears based on invoiced hours at the contractor-proposed hourly rate, contingent on budget appropriation and HCAI approval of deliverables. Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. A small business bid preference of five percent applies to non-small business prime contractors using certified small business subcontractors for at least 25 percent of the net bid price. Contractors must comply with extensive data confidentiality and security standards including FIPS 140-2 certified encryption for all data storage and transmission. Written questions are due August 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PDT. Notice of Intent to Award is scheduled for August 24, 2026.