The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for competitions resulting in awards of two (2) separate contracts to End Stage Renal Disease Network Organizations (ESRDs), for the performance of health care quality improvement work and other directives related to improving the quality of care of ESRD patients in the States of California (Network 17) and New York (Network 2) hereinafter referred to as Network 17 and Network 2. This legislative requirement is found in Section 1881(c)of the Social Security Act as amended by Sections 9335(d) through (h) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986. In order for an entity to be considered qualified as an ESRD Network organization, it must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in Section 1881 of the Act and Federal Register Notice Vol. 52, No. 191, dated October 2, 1987. In addition, it must be able to demonstrate that it is a responsible business entity, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 9.1. Some of the required Network functions are noted as follows: encourage participation in vocational rehabilitation programs; implement procedures for evaluating and resolving patient grievances; conduct onsite reviews of individual ESRD facilities and providers to ensure proper medical care; collect, validate and analyze ESRD program data necessary to prepare a required annual report to the Secretary. These contracts will be procured through a full and open competitive process and will be for a base year and two one-year option periods. CMS anticipates making award on this effort by June 30, 2006. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is anticipated to be released on the Federal Business Opportunities website on or about March 10, 2006. Presolicitation information can be found at http://www.2.eps.gov/servlet/Solicitation/R/HHS/HCFA/AGG/CMS-06-ESRD217DMP. Interested parties will need to register in order to be notified of the RFP release and the release of any subsequent amendments. Telephone or facsimile requests for the RFP will not be honored.

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