Background: The Research, Measurement, Assessment, Design, and Analysis (RMADA) program is a contract vehicle used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to support innovative healthcare models and reforms.  CMS is in the process of firing up the third iteration of this program – RMADA 3. The previous contracts were established in 2018 with a 6-year period of performance and a $5 billion ceiling.

What We Know: Not a lot of information is available and some of it is out-of-date. The RMADA 3 solicitation was scheduled to be released over two months ago and recent public activity by the contracting office has been minimal. The actual release of either a draft (or more than likely a final RFP) is likely imminent due to the period of performance for the previous contract mentioned above. These current contracts are expiring soon and even with a typical extension of six months, CMS is under the gun if they want a smooth follow-on procurement.

Here’s what the available information tells us:

  • It will be a multi-billion-dollar Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with an estimated ceiling of $5 billion.
  • The contract duration is expected to be 6 years.
  • CMS plans to make multiple awards to both commercial businesses and nonprofit organizations. The are 17 current contracts, so expect a similar number for the new iteration.
  • CMS is expected to place particular emphasis on small business participation.

Key work areas will include:

  • Model design, implementation, and operations support.
  • Programmatic and technical analysis
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Monitoring and evaluation of healthcare models
  • Rapid-cycle feedback and reporting
  • Learning systems implementation

RMADA 3 is expected to provide support for all aspects of model design and operation and provide programmatic, technical, and environmental analysis across a wide range of activities. A major activity on the contract will be the review of data from Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs, along with that from private players to allow CMS to make informed decisions and advanced healthcare innovation and reform.

What Do I Need to Do to Win: There are several key areas you should focus on to best position your organization to win a seat at the table:

  1. Demonstrate relevant expertise: Show capabilities in areas like model design, implementation support, data analysis, evaluation, and reporting for healthcare programs.
  2. Form strategic partnerships: Consider teaming with other companies to cover all required capabilities if needed. CMS is encouraging concepts for teaming arrangements.
  3. Highlight past performance: Showcase relevant experience working on similar contracts, especially with CMS or other healthcare agencies.
  4. Address small business requirements: If you’re a small business, respond to the sources sought notice (should one be released) to demonstrate capabilities in some or all task areas. This could influence CMS to include small business set-asides.
  5. Prepare for a competitive process: Given the high value and importance of this contract, expect strong competition. Develop a compelling and differentiated value proposition.
  6. Understand CMS priorities: Align your proposal with CMS goals around improving healthcare quality, reducing costs, and implementing health reform initiatives.
  7. Build a strong technical approach: Develop innovative solutions for model design, data analysis, rapid-cycle evaluation, and learning systems implementation. a
  8. Consider NAICS code implications: Evaluate whether the current NAICS code (541720) is appropriate or if 541611 might be more suitable. Provide feedback to CMS if you believe the code is overly restrictive.
  9. Stay informed: Monitor for updates and amendments to the solicitation. Attend any industry days or Q&A sessions CMS may offer.
  10. Develop a compliant proposal: When the RFP is released, ensure your proposal fully addresses all requirements and evaluation criteria.

What Should I Be Doing Now: Given the lack of information and the potentially imminent release of an RFP, the most important activity right now is to get organized, establish your proposal response effort, review your past and current programs for possible use, and stay informed.

How Can OCI Assist: OCI can provide full-service support for your effort whether it be a single, knowledgeable consultant, a small number of highly qualified technical writers, or a full proposal team. Consultants available with Medicare and Medicaid experience. Call us now to begin the process of letting us help you “book a room” in RMADA 3. Our number is 703-689-9600.