Request for Information Medical Expert Services

Background
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) is seeking to gather information for Spanish Medical Expert Witness Services, Medical Expert Witness Services for the Eastern Division, and Medical Expert Consultant Services.

The goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to assess the current market rates, availability, and technical capabilities of qualified businesses, particularly small and traditionally underserved businesses. This RFI is part of SSA's efforts to enhance its acquisition strategy and does not constitute a solicitation or call for proposals.

Work Details
The contractor will provide the following services:

(1) Medical Expert (ME) witnesses fluent in Spanish to deliver studies, interrogatories, and testimonies in hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for claimants appealing benefit denials from cases originating in Puerto Rico;

(2) Multiple ME witnesses on a multi-regional level to provide similar services in hearings across various regions;

(3) Multiple Medical Expert Consultants (MECs) who will offer medical and psychological consulting services during appeals pending before the appeals council. MECs will engage in studies, interrogatories, group discussions, and prepare lectures on specific topics related to appeals. These services are required for claims under Title II (Disability) and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. The ME will participate via telephone or video as needed.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at Hearing Offices throughout the United States and its territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate expertise in providing similar services, including experience in recruiting and managing a network of medical experts regionally or nationally. They must have experience with Spanish-speaking medical experts specifically for the Spanish Medical Expert Witness Services requirement. Bidders should also have capabilities in clearing employees through government suitability processes, implementing security measures for safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII), monitoring training and licensing requirements for medical experts, ensuring 100% staffing for hearings, and providing detailed organizational information including ownership structure and socioeconomic status.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent, as Williams Consulting holds the confirmed contract 28321323D00060002 (12/12/22–04/11/28) valued at $3,435,180 for Spanish speaking medical expert services for cases originating in Puerto Rico, including managed services and expert support. Multiple related task orders under the same contract further cover Spanish-speaking medical expert witness services for Puerto Rico cases (e.g., $853,977 for 03/26/25–04/11/26 and $315,277 for 04/02/26–10/11/26), which aligns closely with the current RFI’s need for Spanish Medical Expert Witness Services and related medical expert consultant support.