Notice ID: none posted
ACL has the need for development, implementation, operation, and maintenance services to support an integrated data system and is searching for interested and capable contractors to provide the services stated in this RFI.
The purpose of this notice is to find interested and capable contractors who can provide support for the development, implementation, ongoing operations, maintenance, and potential enhancement of the integrated data system created for ACL, Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling (OHIC) and Office of Network Advancement (ONA). Program
The objective is to support the OHIC Data System, as a whole. The primary focus is to operate, maintain, enhance, and secure the current system which includes both the SMP Information and Reporting System (SIRS), the SHIP Tracking and Reporting System (STARS), and the No Wrong Door (NWD) reporting and analytics capabilities. This could include supportive functions, such as helpdesk and technical assistance requirements to assist end users, ACL grantees, and ACL staff as they access and interact with the systems
Background
The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Community Living (ACL) is to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers. ACL’s Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling (OHIC) oversees programs designed to educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to make informed healthcare decisions. OHIC administers three distinct, direct service programs that provide community education on Medicare and other related benefits, as well as one-on-one counseling for those who need more in-depth assistance. These programs include the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program, and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program.
OHIC released a contract in 2019 to combine the two separate data systems (the SMP Information and Referral Systems (SIRS) and the SHIP Tracking and Reporting System (STARS) that are used by SHIP, SMP, and MIPPA grantees to collect and analyze program data. Recently, cross-system functionalities have been developed that enable the systems to interact and share data leveraging the common platform. This enables data transfer between the systems and ensures data compatibility. The integrated system is referred to as the HIC Data System.
The No Wrong Door (NWD) System initiative is a collaborative effort supported by ACL and our partners at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to support states in better coordinating and integrating existing long-term services and supports programs to make it easier for people to learn about and quickly access options that meet their needs for maintaining community living. The NWD System Management Tool is a semi-annual reporting tool that is designed to help us evaluate the progress of the NWD System and provides us a better understanding of how states have adopted the four functions, and at the local level – identifying the impact and reach of NWD System efforts.
Additionally, the STARS system includes an Application Programming Interface (API) capability that allows for continuous system-to-system communication between STARS and other, grantee-owned proprietary data systems. For States to utilize the API, an Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) must be signed and in place before access is granted. ISAs are reviewed and approved by ACL’s Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) IT Security team and ultimately the ACL Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The contractor may be involved with providing the necessary information to meet ISA agreements.
ACL’s OIRM oversees all ACL IT based systems to include the system authorization, security posture, usability, and accessibility. The HIC Data System is included in the ACL IT Portfolio that the ACL Chief Information Officer (CIO) governs as an IT based system. Contractors are expected to work closely with ACL on any efforts related to the system. All changes related to the system must be approved by ACL before deployment to maintain the system’s Authority to Operate (ATO) and adhere to OIRM and OHIC defined change management protocols. Given the creation and integration of the systems, ACL will be undergoing a re-baseline of the ATO documentation to reflect the system appropriately. It is expected that OHIC and its supporting contractors will work closely together under OIRM facilitation to complete this effort.
OIRM should have direct access to all vendors supporting systems and OIRM should have access to the system. All contractors are required to work with OIRM for all data calls, audits, and directives.
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