Q -- Standard Data Processing System

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to negotiate and award a twelve-month contract to the Iowa Foundation for Medical Care (IFMC) under a sole-source justification citing unusual and compelling urgency. This contract continues prior efforts by IFMC to design, develop, implement, and maintain a Standard Data Processing System (SDPS) that supports the Quality Improvement Program mandated by Title XI of the Social Security Act, Section 1862(g). Although this notice signals intent to award directly to IFMC, CMS invites all capable firms to submit capability statements by January 13, 2006, to be considered solely for determining whether a competitive procurement should be pursued. Submissions will not be reimbursed and must be sent to the contracting officer via email. The contract references NAICS code 923120 and is identified by the solicitation number HHSM-500-2006-CGH05. The primary contact for this procurement is Contracting Officer Christopher G. Hagepanos, with Brian D. Hebbel also listed for correspondence. The location of performance and specific agency details were not provided. CMS reserves the discretion not to open the contract to competition based on the responses received, and this action aligns with the Federal Acquisition Regulation clause 6.302-2, allowing award without full competition due to the urgency of the requirement.