For a decade, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) has diligently cultivated its Coordinated Care Program, MississippiCAN, evolving from an initial enrollment of approximately 54,500 members in 2011 to currently serving over 480,000 Medicaid recipients. This significant growth underscores the program’s expanding role in delivering essential healthcare services across Mississippi. Building on this robust foundation, DOM is now leveraging its accumulated experience and data-driven insights to refine and elevate its coordinated care framework. This proactive approach aims to optimize service delivery and ensure the highest quality of care for Mississippi’s Medicaid population. A pivotal step in this evolution is the current procurement initiative, which for the first time, seeks integrated administrative services for both MississippiCAN and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), marking a significant advancement in the state’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare management.
Notice of Intent to Award & Procurement Documents
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid has released a Notice of Intent to Award, accompanied by crucial procurement documents for interested parties. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the procurement process and the evaluation criteria employed. Key documents include:
- Procurement Overview and Evaluation Committee Report and Appendices which encompasses vital appendices such as:
- Appendix A: Register of Qualifications
- Appendix B: Evaluation Committee Consensus Scores and Comments
- Appendix C: Resumes of Contractor/Committee Members
- Appendix D: Memorandum of Redactions and Cures
- Appendix E: Evaluation Committee Attestation Regarding Technical Evaluation and Materials
- Appendix F: Petition for Relief
- Appendix G: Evaluation Committee Member Conflict of Interest Forms
These resources are essential for vendors seeking to understand the scope and requirements of the coordinated care program procurement.
Request for Qualifications: Building on a Decade of Coordinated Care
Released on December 10, 2021, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) signals DOM’s strategic move to engage vendors who can further enhance the established coordinated care program. The goal is to drive improved health outcomes, elevate the quality of life for program members, and ultimately achieve better cost efficiencies for the state. This RFQ process is designed to thoroughly assess potential vendors, scrutinizing their experience, proposed service delivery methodologies, and capacity for innovation in enhancing healthcare services for Medicaid beneficiaries. Successful applicants will demonstrate a well-articulated, practical, and innovative Qualification proposal, supported by clear implementation plans and evidence of the necessary resources and capabilities. More details about the RFQ and related documents can be accessed through the Request for Qualifications link.
Mandatory Letter of Intent: A Prerequisite for Participation
To participate in this significant procurement, vendors are required to submit a Mandatory Letter of Intent. This formal declaration of interest must utilize the template provided in Appendix I of the RFQ documents. Crucially, the Letter of Intent must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. Central Time Zone, on Friday, January 7, 2022. Submissions should be emailed in PDF format to [email protected]. While the Letter of Intent is non-binding in terms of qualification submission, it is a mandatory step for eligibility. Failure to submit the Letter of Intent by the specified deadline will disqualify vendors from further participation in the coordinated care program procurement process. Vendors are solely responsible for ensuring timely delivery of their Letter of Intent. Any updates or amendments to the RFQ will be posted on the Mississippi Medicaid website and communicated through official channels, as per PPRB regulations.
Key Themes of the Coordinated Care Procurement
This procurement for the coordinated care program is centered around several core themes designed to significantly improve healthcare delivery:
Quality: A paramount focus is placed on enhancing the quality of care through various initiatives. This includes robust performance improvement projects, value-added services, value-based purchasing strategies, targeted health literacy campaigns, and comprehensive care management protocols.
Collaborative Innovation: DOM is actively seeking vendors who can propose innovative delivery methods for quality-focused initiatives. Successful vendors will be expected to engage in close collaboration with the Division and potentially with each other. This collaborative approach aims to establish standardized systems that leverage the diverse experiences, knowledge, and creative solutions of participating plans, while simultaneously streamlining administrative processes for both healthcare providers and program members.
Access: Addressing barriers to healthcare access is a critical priority. The Division seeks vendors committed to overcoming access challenges, whether they are related to geographic limitations or broader Social Determinants of Health.
Commitment: DOM seeks vendors who demonstrate a genuine commitment to enhancing the lives of Mississippi residents. This commitment should be evident not only in the delivery of high-quality care but also in a willingness to invest in local communities. This includes forming strategic partnerships with private, state, and community-based organizations across Mississippi, as well as investing in local human capital.
Procurement Timetable: Key Dates and Processes
The anticipated timeline for the RFQ and procurement process is outlined below. Please note that the Division of Medicaid reserves the right to modify this timetable as needed.
| Date | Process |
|---|---|
| Friday, December 10, 2021 | Public Release of RFQ |
| Friday, January 7, 2022, 2 p.m. | Deadline for Letter of Intent and RFQ Questions |
| Friday, January 14, 2022, 1 p.m. | Mandatory Pre-Qualification Conference (via Microsoft Teams, link sent to Letter of Intent submitters) |
| Monday, February 7, 2022, 5 p.m. | RFQ Questions and Answers posted |
| Friday, March 4, 2022, 2 p.m. | Qualification Deadline |
| March 2022 – July 2022 | Evaluation of Qualifications |
| July 2022 – August 2022 | Executive Review |
| August 2022 | Award |
| Dependent upon Award Date | Division to submit awards to PPRB for approval |
| Dependent upon Award Date | PPRB Meeting Date |
Updated July 29, 2022, as per Amendment #13
This procurement represents a significant opportunity to contribute to the evolution of Mississippi’s coordinated care program, ensuring a healthier future for its Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.
