Health Care Financing Administration, Acquisition and Grants Group, C2-21-15, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD., 21244-1850

99 -- ANALYSIS FOR SNF REFINEMENT PROJECT" DUE 042200 POC Lucille Fussell-Lee, (410) 786-5447 E-MAIL: lfussell@hcfa.gov, lfusselllee@hcfa.gov. The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) intends to award, under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures, on a sole source basis, a firm, fixed price award to Brandt Fries, Ph.D., Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Room M3216, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, for the purpose of analyzing data from the national repository data base (i.e., matched data base: MDS assessments and the claims files). This analysis is necessary to test possible refinement models using the available national data for incorporation into the final rule for the SNF PPS. The Contractor will (1) construct with the assistance of the programming support and HCFA project staff, specific variables from the repository data base. Identify these for the purpose of analytic support for the final rule, (2) develop with the assistance of the programming support and HCFA project staff, table shell necessary for assessing potential refinement models on the national repository data base, (3) assist in coordinating all activities related to incorporating new legislative provisions and revised policy decisions into the overall analysis, including but not limited to rate calculation and impact analysis, (4) perform analysis, delineating the impacts of the models and providing detailed discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each of these models. Examine the impact of these models on the total cost, as well as on the cost components, focusing specifically on ancillary care costs. Compare these with the current resource utilization categories. Make overall recommendations regarding the models with detailed analysis supporting the "recommended model.", (5) prepare and make available detailed documentation of the steps in the analysis and in the recommendation process. Included in this should be a discussion of the steps used in analysis and the distribution of the population at each analytic phase. Also included in this could be: limitations of the data, recommendations for both future study and additional directed analysis, and (6) provide advise related to analysis, methods and tabular presentations for changed to data presented in the final regulation. Dr. Fries was one of the developers of the resource utilization groups. These groups are the basis for the prospective payment system that is currently in use to pay skilled nursing facilities. He has been a part of the development of a series of models to fine the existing payment system. These alternative models require testing to assess their feasibility. This test will be done using the national repository, a newly available data base. Dr. Fries is the only researcher that has both developed the current payment systems, and participated in the design of the refinement models. His analysis will test these models, assess their implications and make recommendations to HCFA regarding the results of his analysis. This analysis is critical to the completion of the final regulation for the refinement of the skilled nursingfacilities prospective payment system. All responsible sources may submit capability statements in consideration the Agency at the above address. The Government shall make the final determination of whether the offerors have the standards and status equal to that of Brandt Fries, Ph.D., Department of Health and Management Policy. Posted 04/07/00 (W-SN442411). (0098)

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