DHHS, Office of the Secretary, Office of Acquisition Management; Room 443H, Humphrey Building; 200 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20201

R -- ANALYZE CHANGES IN THE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE MARKET. POC Point of Contact: Cheryl Howe, Contract Specialist, 202-690-5552 The Department of Health and Human Services intends to negotiate with the Alpha Center, 1350 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, to analyze changes in the Medicare Supplement Insurance market. The Alpha Center will utilize an unique data base to examine how the Medigap market has varied among states over time, how HMO penetration has effected the market, and how the demand for prescription drug benefits has changed. The Alpha Center has developed an insurer database which includes: 1) data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Medicare Supplement Insurance Experience Exhibit for four years (1995-1998); and 2) the Alpha Center data base on HMO enrollment and medical expense by product line (1996-1998). They will use standard analysis of variance techniques to identify: 1) variation within and across Med-Supp markets by state and to investigate market changes over time; 2) to examine the effects of HMO penetration on Medicare Supplement Markets; and 3) identify changes in the demand for prescription drug benefits in this market. The level of analysis will be product type by state by year. The purpose of this synopsis is to determine whether there may be other sources with the requisite background, qualifications, and data to perform the work described above. Any organization capable of performing similar services should submit a statement of capabilities with documentation supporting its ability to meet the government's requirements. No solicitation document is available. Capability statements should be submitted within 45 days of the publication of this synopsis to the contact point and address given above. Posted 06/23/99 (D-SN346187). (0174)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0102 19990625\R-0012.SOL)