In this episode of The JR and Ali Show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, chats with guest Jason Cullum, Vice President with Element. They offer a candid, forward-looking view into how CMS is approaching procurement, innovation, and industry collaboration.
The message is clear: CMS is listening. They’re prioritizing outcomes, updating forecasts, and creating space for meaningful dialogue, including invite-only industry days that are becoming more targeted and mission-focused.
AI and automation are in the mix, but CMS isn’t chasing buzzwords. As JR emphasizes, tools are only as good as their alignment to the mission. Jason echoes the need for solutions that are not only technically sound but grounded in CMS’s unique policy and operational environment. The companies making headway are those who understand nuance and show up prepared to collaborate, not just sell.
Despite challenges in the procurement process, including more manual reviews and compliance demands, JR and Jason point to real progress. CMS is capturing billions in savings and exploring smarter ways to buy. They also hint at broader shifts within HHS, like the potential to consolidate procurement authority in strategic areas such as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).
Click here to listen on Spotify.
If you’d like to reach out to JR, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn More About GovCon Growth Solutions here.
If you’d like to reach out to Ali, connect with her on LinkedIn. | Learn More About Steer Operational Solutions here.
If you’d like to reach out to Jason, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn more about Element here.
If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.
