D -- Single Test ing Contractor

BACKGROUND:CMS is responsible for administering the Medicare Program as delegated to the Agency by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. CMS contracts with Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs) and Carriers to process claims for benefits provided under the Medicare Program. FIs perform claims processing and benefit payment functions for institutional providers under Parts A and B of the program; Carriers perform the same functions for professional providers under Part B. Hospital insurance (Part A of the Program) covers expenses for medical services furnished in institutional settings, such as hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, or services provided by a home health agency. Supplemental medical insurance (Part B of the Program) covers physician services, certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) services and other outpatient services. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to issue a solicitation for the technical support services to fully test Fiscal Intermediary (FI) claims processing, Carrier claims processing, the Common Working File (CWF), Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers (DMERC) claims processing, and to provide a testing facility for Provider testing. This requirement will include testing previously referred to as: 1) Independent testing or ITC testing, 2) Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) Beta testing, Multi-Carrier System (MCS) Beta testing, and CWF Beta testing, and 3) Quarterly Release Test Management (QRTM). It is anticipated that a cost-plus award fee contract will be awarded with a base year plus 4 option years. This requirement is being solicited as a full and open competition. This announcement is not a request for proposal (RFP). CMS anticipates release of the Request For Proposal in early November 2004 and it will be made available electronically at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. The anticipated award date for this effort is July 15, 2005. The 'Interested Vendors List'on the website is available. Interested vendors may register by selecting the 'Register as Interested Vendor' button on the listing page for this synopsis. Interested vendors are advised that all of the information submitted by the vendor through the 'Interested Vendor Registration Form' (Name, Company, Contact Person Information) will be published on FedBizOpps.