Health Technology Assessment

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is initiating a Request for Proposal (RFP No. 2024HCA15) to solicit firms capable of conducting evidence-based health technology assessments across multiple Washington counties. The procurement seeks a contractor to produce comprehensive systematic literature reviews and scientific evidence analyses supporting state health policy determinations, with specific focus on evaluating medical technologies, surgical procedures, and diagnostic interventions. Proposers must demonstrate at least three years of experience in health technology assessment work, with expertise spanning clinical, behavioral, social sciences, economic, and management domains. The technical proposal will be evaluated across multiple categories, with a maximum of 730 available points, and requires submission of three detailed work product examples covering medical devices, surgical procedures, and diagnostic tests. Key deliverables include preliminary meetings, topic development, key question formulation, data collection, draft and final reports, stakeholder engagement, and formal presentation of findings. The RFP was posted on March 18, 2025, with proposals due by April 28, 2025, and a proposed contract period running from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029, with potential extension to December 31, 2035.

The procurement includes provisions encouraging diverse business participation, with specific sections requiring bidders to indicate involvement of minority, women-owned, veteran, and small businesses. Proposers must submit detailed organizational information, including potential subcontractor details, conflict of interest disclosures, and worker's rights certifications. The RFP mandates that bidders provide three professional references and certify compliance with state and federal regulations, with HCA reserving the right to investigate and verify submitted information. While specific award values are not explicitly defined, the draft contract suggests compensation will be negotiated based on hourly rates across multiple labor categories, ranging from research assistants to senior management personnel with advanced degrees. Proposers must demonstrate robust organizational conflict of interest policies and the capability to engage clinical experts across various medical domains. The contract allows for potential modifications and extensions based on HCA's discretion and funding availability, with total maximum contract amounts to be determined during negotiation. Importantly, the solicitation emphasizes transparency and comprehensive documentation throughout the assessment process.