Independent Informal Dispute Resolution FY26

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is soliciting proposals through a Request for Quote (RFQ) to provide Independent Informal Dispute Resolution (IIDR) services as mandated under Chapter 7, Section 7213 of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services State Operations Manual. The selected contractor will deliver comprehensive dispute resolution services for long-term care facility survey citations, including written records of reviews and recommendations for each deficiency identified during surveys. The vendor must complete IIDR reviews within 30 calendar days of receipt, submit monthly data reports to IDPH's Office of Health Care Regulation, and perform all work remotely. The contract term extends from July 1, 2026, through June 8, 2028, with an estimated 500 total hours of work required. Mandatory qualifications include a minimum of three years of documented experience with long-term care facility surveys, comprehensive knowledge of 42 CFR 488.431, CMS guidelines, Medicare and Medicaid program requirements, 42 CFR Part 483 Subpart B and Part 488 Subparts A, E, and F, applicable healthcare standards of practice, healthcare management, and life safety code compliance relevant to long-term care facilities. The RFQ requires vendors to demonstrate impartiality and transparency standards while disclosing any financial or legal interests in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or IDPH-regulated facilities to mitigate conflicts of interest. Award will be made to the lowest-priced bidder meeting all mandatory qualifications, with submissions due by May 14, 2026, through BidBuy with quotes remaining valid for 90 days from submission.

The procurement documents do not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting response to disadvantaged enterprises or particular organizational types, though the qualifications documentation establishes strict conflict-of-interest restrictions that disqualify vendors with employment relationships with the State survey agency or State ombudsman program within the past year, family relationships with facility residents or employees, current or recent employment with involved facilities, ownership interests or board service with facilities, or recent service as legal counsel for or against facilities. The selected contractor must be either an organizationally separate component of a state agency or an independent entity and must obtain prior CMS approval through a review conducted by the State under Section 1864 of the Act or by an entity approved by both the State and CMS. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is provided in the available procurement documents. The documentation does not disclose a specific contract award value or budget range; however, the estimated 500 total hours of work over the 24-month contract period provides a basis for cost estimation. All contractors must comply with the Illinois Standard Certifications and Standard Terms and Conditions, which include mandatory insurance requirements of $1,000,000 general commercial liability per occurrence, $2,000,000 annual aggregate, and $1,000,000 auto liability per occurrence, prevailing wage requirements where applicable, and three-year record retention obligations (five years if federal funds are involved).