HHS CMS - On-Demand Assistance Tool - MRAS

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to identify potential vendors capable of delivering a comprehensive on-demand assistance tool for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This initiative aims to enhance consumer interaction with HealthCare.gov by enabling users to request immediate assistance from registered Marketplace agents or brokers. The overarching goal is to improve user experience by providing timely, secure, and efficient support, thereby ensuring that consumers can navigate healthcare options more effectively.

The work requested involves the design, development, and maintenance of a robust web-based application that integrates seamlessly with HealthCare.gov. Key requirements include real-time API integrations for secure data exchanges between third-party applications and federal systems. The solution must be capable of handling high volumes of concurrent users with minimal latency while meeting all federal privacy, security, and accessibility standards. This includes compliance with CMS Acceptable Risk Safeguards (ARS), Non-Exchange Entity (NEE) security documentation processes, applicable NIST standards, Privacy Act requirements, and Section 508 accessibility guidelines.

Additionally, vendors are expected to have experience in hosting solutions within AWS GovCloud or similar compliant environments. The scope of work also encompasses ongoing operations and maintenance support, system performance monitoring for mission-critical systems, as well as the development of user documentation and training materials for various user groups. This ensures that both administrative users and consumers can efficiently utilize the tool.

This Request for Information (RFI) serves as an opportunity for potential vendors to showcase their capabilities in delivering such a solution to CMS's Baltimore office. Interested parties are encouraged to submit information demonstrating their ability to meet these requirements. Responses should focus on relevant experience with similar projects, detailing past performance including project titles, descriptions, contract values, and client details. All categories of small businesses are invited to participate in this market survey.