70 -- Follow-on to Set Up Focus Group Discussions

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to award a sole source contract to KPMG Consulting under Simplified Acquisition Procedures to continue and expand a series of focus group discussions related to the Health Improvement Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) initiative. KPMG, located in McLean, Virginia, previously developed and successfully managed the initial HIPAA focus groups, delivering high-quality results. This prior experience positions KPMG as the logical choice to efficiently manage the continuation of these efforts without the delays that would arise if a new contractor started from scratch, especially given the project's time constraints. The contract builds directly on the existing work performed under a current GSA agreement, ensuring continuity and leveraging KPMG’s established organizational and project expertise. If no competing proposals are submitted within 45 calendar days from the notice date, the purchase order will be awarded to KPMG. This approach streamlines the process and reinforces the value of KPMG’s familiarity with the program and its focus group methodology.