RFQ 2023-01 Feasibility Study for NEMT Bariatric Non-Profit Ambulance Service

CareOregon, Inc. has issued a Request for Quotes (RFQ 2023-01) for a comprehensive feasibility study targeting the creation of a nonprofit, non-emergent medical transportation (NEMT) bariatric ambulance service in the Portland metro area, specifically covering Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. The procurement seeks a qualified consultant to conduct an in-depth analysis of establishing a new ambulance company serving Medicaid members, with specific requirements to develop recommendations on business model, regulatory considerations, staffing feasibility, potential competition, and sustainable financial strategies. Key deliverables include a detailed project plan outlining pathways, challenges, barriers, risks, financial considerations, startup and ongoing costs, and a proposed implementation timeline. Quoters must demonstrate extensive experience in healthcare, transportation, and Medicaid sectors, and provide comprehensive project plans with fixed fee quotes. The evaluation criteria will assess firm experience, staff expertise, pricing, and proposed approach, with submissions due by March 15, 2023, for a three-month project term with a budget of $70,000. The selected consultant will be required to enter into CareOregon's Professional Services Contract.

The RFQ does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement appears open to consulting firms with relevant healthcare and transportation expertise, without apparent limitations on organizational type or size. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the study aims to explore the potential infrastructure and operational framework for a new nonprofit ambulance service. The fixed budget for this feasibility study is $70,000, with an anticipated project duration of three months. The scope suggests potential future investment in establishing the proposed NEMT bariatric ambulance service, though the immediate focus is on conducting a comprehensive feasibility assessment to determine viability, operational challenges, and potential sustainable business strategies for serving Medicaid members in the Portland metropolitan area.