R -- RESOURCE CENTER TO SUPPORT 53 STATE HEALTH INS. ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Notice Date

November 13, 2000

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

21244-1850

Point of Contact

Barbara Brunstetter, Contract Specialist, 410-786-7577

Description

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is soliciting proposals for award to a establish a Central Resource Center to support 53 State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPS). The State Health Insurance Assistance Program was created under section 4360 of the Omnibus Budget reconciliation Act of 1990. This section of the law authorized HCFA to make grants to States to establish and maintain health insurance advisory services programs for Medicare beneficiaries. With the implementation of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and increased Medicare+Choice options, SHIPs have emerged as a critical component of HCFA's communication and information effort to beneficiaries, and play a intricate role in beneficiary counseling and education. SHIPs offer direct one-on-one beneficiary counseling as well as over-the-phone counseling in transmitting accurate, relevant and timely information to Medicare beneficiaries. HCFA has a requirement for contractor support to provide technical assistance and organizational capacity to: 1) maintain a web site, 2) address complex health related issues, and 3) produce a variety of presentation aids, such as fact sheets, brochures, and Power Point presentations. The contractor shall provide policy experience, which demonstrates the ability to track legislative changes, issue policy interpretations and produce briefings on congressional meeting and hearings. Research experience and the capability to maintain a library of information is required. HCFA is soliciting offers with the intent of awarding a Time and Materials Contract for a 12 month period beginning mid March 2001. Optional 12-month periods, not to exceed 60 months from the date of award may be exercised HCFA's discretion. The RFP will be available early December 2000 on the Internet at www.hcfa.gov/contracts. Hard copy reference material, that is not available electronically, is available for viewing during the solicitation period at the HCFA library from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, M-F. Contact Elnora Scott at 410-786-7804 to make an appointment to visit the library. Contractors who do not have download capabilities may request a hard copy by contacting Barbara Brunstetter. Questions concerning this synopsis may be directed to Barbara Brunstetter at 410-786-7577 or email bbrunstetter@hcfa.gov

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001115/RSOL001.HTM (W-318 SN5065J2)