Montana Releases Consortium Procurement for MMIS Provider Services

On August 24, 2017 Montana released a request for proposal (RFP) for Provider Services for Montana’s Program for Automating and Transforming Healthcare (MPATH). What is unique about this solicitation is that it is a multi-state procurement for the specific Provider Services MMIS module. The released RFP asks vendors for Provider Services that will meet CMS requirements with sufficient configurability for individual state use. The core Provider Management solution consists of software, integration, and related services to create web-based Provider Eligibility and Enrollment, Provider Management, and other applicable MITA business arenas, detailed in the MITA 3.0 Assessment and Roadmap. Wyoming, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Oregon have agreed to participate. These states will provide a sourcing team with MMIS expertise under the leadership of Montana and through the support of NASPO ValuePoint. Illinois, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Connecticut, and Alaska are currently deciding if they want to participate in the multi-state procurement.

Due to its many advantages, the multi-state procurement strategy may be a trend we will continue to see in future MMIS procurements. States and vendors will reap the benefits of eliminating contracting redundancy which will save time, money, and administrative resources. This aspect alone is attractive to states because of the modular nature of MMIS systems. States will also find value in a consortium procurement because they can request a commercial off the shelf (COTS) IT system that will be easily configurable to meet each state’s specific needs. Multiple states will be able to get their specific needs met at a lower cost because of the greater leverage they would have through aggregated buying. CMS has approved of this RFP and will be conducting reviews and approvals throughout the procurement and implementation process.