Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) wage index cost report audits.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is forecasting a contract for audits related to the Inpatient Prospective Payment System wage index cost reports, aimed at ensuring accurate wage data used to determine Medicare reimbursement rates for inpatient hospitals. This effort supports the integrity of federal healthcare payments by verifying that facilities submit correct and compliant wage information that directly impacts their payment calculations under the IPPS framework. The work will involve detailed examination of cost reports submitted by hospitals to evaluate adherence to federal reporting standards and identify discrepancies or noncompliance that could lead to improper payments. The solicitation is anticipated to be managed under NAICS code 541611, which covers administrative management and general management consulting services, indicating the project requires specialized analytical and auditing expertise rather than direct clinical or operational services. The point of contact for program-related inquiries is Noel Manlove, while Cathryn Kim serves as the Contracting Officer, responsible for procurement matters. The contract opportunity will be posted on the OSDBU website, with no specific set-aside designation or location details provided at this time, suggesting work may be performed remotely or across multiple locations as needed. The forecast date of May 25, 2026, indicates the anticipated release timeline for formal solicitation materials.