I have not been able to locate a surety from which to obtain the required bid surety bond.
Each bidder must obtain a bid surety bond from an authorized surety on the Department of Treasury’s List of Certified Companies on the Department of the Treasury’s website. If you haven’t already, you may want to contact the surety that provided your bond for enrollment with the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC), but please make sure they are still on the list of certified companies. You may also perform a Google search and find sureties that are providing the required bid surety bond for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (e.g., search for "DMEPOS Bid Surety Bond").
| 07/09/2019 |
If I obtained a bid surety bond but was not awarded a contract, what is my liability?
If you are not offered a contract or are offered a contract for a product category where your composite bid (your bid amount for the lead item) is above the median composite bid rate (median lead item bid amount of all bidders in the competition) and you do not accept the contract offer, the bid surety bond liability will be returned to you within 90 days of the Round 2021 public announcement of contract suppliers. Please review the Bid Surety Bonds fact sheet for additional information.
| 07/09/2019 |
What address do I give the insurance agency for my bid surety bond? I contacted multiple sureties from the list provided and they are all asking me for the holder information.
The address for the obligee, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is not required by the regulation; however, if the authorized surety requires the address, please use the following CMS address: 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244.
We also encourage you to review the Bid Surety Bond Checklist to ensure all bid surety bond requirements are met. As a reminder, the bidding entity’s legal business name must be listed as the principal/obligor. This is the same company name that is in the Business Organization Information section of Form A in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS.
| 07/09/2019 |
When do I need to have a bid surety bond?
You must provide proof of having obtained the bid surety bond(s) by uploading a copy of the bond(s) in Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal, by the close of the bid window. The bid window is scheduled to open on July 16, 2019, and remain open until September 18, 2019. It is strongly recommended that you contact an authorized surety as soon as possible to purchase your bid surety bond(s).
| 06/10/2019 |
How long should my bid surety bond be in effect?
Bid surety bonds must remain in full force and effect until they are either collected by CMS due to forfeiture or the liability is returned for not meeting forfeiture conditions. The bid surety bond liability will be returned to the bidding entity within 90 days of the Round 2021 public announcement of contract suppliers. That announcement date has not yet been determined, but will be in the fall of 2020, prior to January 1, 2021, when Round 2021 contracts become effective.
| 04/10/2019 |
How many bid surety bonds do I need?
You must obtain one bid surety bond for each competitive bidding area (CBA) for which you submit a bid, regardless of the number of locations (identified by Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN)) or product categories included on your bid for the CBA. For example, if you have five locations on your bid for three product categories in one CBA, you must obtain one bond for the CBA. However, if you have three locations on your bid for one product category in three different CBAs, then you must obtain three bid surety bonds, one bond for each CBA.
| 04/10/2019 |
Is the bid surety bond like the enrollment surety bond I have with the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC)?
The bid surety bond required for bidding is not the same as the surety bond required for DMEPOS supplier enrollment purposes. Unlike the annual DMEPOS enrollment bond, the bid surety bond required by 42 CFR §414.412(g) is purchased for the one-time bidding event.
| 04/10/2019 |
What does a bid surety bond cost?
The cost of the bid surety bond may vary depending on multiple factors, including the bidder’s credit score, the number of bid surety bonds being purchased, and the risk to the authorized surety. We recommend you contact any of the authorized sureties on the Department of the Treasury’s List of Certified Companies to obtain pricing information.
| 04/10/2019 |
What legal business name (LBN) should be on my bid surety bond?
The LBN on your bid surety bond(s) must be the same as the LBN associated with the Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) you use to register for DBidS and Connexion. When you register to request access to the DMEPOS Bidding System, DBidS, and Connexion, the program’s secure portal, you must enter a PTAN that is active in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS). The LBN for this PTAN will auto-populate in the Business Organization Information section of Form A in DBidS. The LBN on Form A must match the LBN specified on the bid surety bond in order for CMS to find the bid surety bond acceptable.
| 04/10/2019 |
Can authorized sureties issue one bond to the same bidding entity that covers multiple competitive bidding areas (CBAs), or must authorized sureties issue a separate bond for each CBA?
Authorized sureties must issue an individual bid surety bond for each CBA for which the bidding entity submits a bid. Bidding entities are not permitted by regulation to obtain one bond that would cover multiple CBAs.
| 03/07/2019 |
How will a bidder be notified of the bid surety bond liability being returned?
The liability for bid surety bonds that do not meet the forfeiture conditions for a particular competitive bidding area will be returned within 90 days of the public announcement of contract suppliers. CMS will return the bid surety bond(s) liability to the bidder through a notice posted to Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal.
| 03/07/2019 |
How will an authorized surety be notified of the bid surety bond liability being returned?
CMS will provide written notice returning the bid surety bond liability to each authorized surety within 90 days of the public announcement of contract suppliers. The notice will be individually addressed to the surety company and contain all the bid surety bonds issued by that company for which the liability is being returned.
| 03/07/2019 |
How will bidders know if their bid is at or below the median composite bid rate when accepting or declining contract offers?
Each contract offer will indicate when the bidder’s bid amount is at or below the median composite bid rate for the competitive bidding area and product category combination.
| 03/07/2019 |
How will the authorized surety be notified if the bond is forfeited?
CMS will provide a written notice to the authorized surety of CMS’ intent to collect on the bid surety bond(s) that meets the forfeiture conditions as outlined in 42 CFR §414.412(g)(3).
| 03/07/2019 |
If a bidder has multiple bidder numbers for the same competitive bidding area (CBA) but different product categories, is the bidder required to purchase separate bonds for each bidder number?
If the bidding entity is the same for each bidder number, then the bidding entity can upload in Connexion the same bid surety bond for that CBA under multiple bidder numbers. If the bidding entity declines any contract offer(s) for that CBA where its composite bid amount is at or below the median composite bid rate for the associated product category(s), then the bidding entity will forfeit the bid surety bond for that CBA. It’s important to remember that the bidding entity is the legal business name (LBN) associated with the Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) used to register in DBidS, the online bidding system. This LBN will be auto-populated in the Business Organization Information section of Form A in DBidS. To use the same bid surety bond for multiple bidder numbers in the same CBA, the bidding entity’s LBN on the bond must match the LBN for each bidder number.
| 03/07/2019 |
If a bidder is offered a contract AFTER contract suppliers are publicly announced, and the bidder declines the offer, will the bid surety bond be forfeited?
When a bidding entity’s composite bid is at or below the median composite bid rate for all bidding entities within the competitive bidding area and product category combination and the entity receives a contract offer after the public announcement of contract suppliers, that entity will still be subject to the bid surety bond requirement when the contract offer is made within 90 days of the announcement of contract suppliers.
| 03/07/2019 |
If a bidder receives a preliminary bid evaluation notification that a bid surety bond is missing for a competitive bidding area (CBA), can it acquire a bond now and upload the bond in Connexion? What if it had the bid surety bond but forgot to upload the bond in Connexion before the bid window closed?
Bid surety bonds cannot be obtained after the close of the bid window and uploaded in Connexion as part of a bid. If a bid surety bond was obtained prior to the close of the bid window, but not uploaded in Connexion during the bid window (e.g., the bidder forgot to upload a copy of the bond into Connexion), it cannot be accepted, and the bid for that CBA will be disqualified. We encourage bidders to ensure all required documentation is uploaded in Connexion when submitting a bid(s).
| 03/07/2019 |
If a bidder recognizes a missing element on its bid surety bond after the bid window closes, what can it do to update the bond and still meet the requirements?
All bid surety bonds must be uploaded in Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal, by the close of the bid window. Bidders will not have the opportunity to provide an updated bid surety bond(s) once the bid window has closed.
| 03/07/2019 |
Is a sample template of a bid surety bond available?
Yes, a sample template of a bid surety bond is available on the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website. Sureties are not required to use this template provided all requirements specified at 42 §CFR 414.412(g)(2) are included on the bid surety bond issued by the authorized surety.
| 03/07/2019 |
The regulation at 42 CFR §414.412(g)(3) states that the bid surety bond liability will be returned within 90 days of public announcement of contract suppliers. Since this date is not provided in advance, what end date should be listed on the bond?
Per 42 CFR §414.412(g)(3), when the bid(s) does not meet the specified forfeiture conditions, the bid surety bond liability will be returned within 90 days of the public announcement of contract suppliers. The bid surety bond shall be null and void upon issuance of appropriate notice to both the bidder and the surety by CMS. CMS has provided a sample template for sureties to use when preparing bid surety bonds for bidding entities.
| 03/07/2019 |
The regulations at 42 §CFR 414.412(g)(2)(C) state that CMS must be named as the obligee. How should CMS be named on the bond?
CMS should be listed as the obligee as the “Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.”
| 03/07/2019 |
Two companies are commonly owned/controlled. They plan to bid together for one product category in a competitive bidding area (CBA) and obtained a bid surety bond for that CBA. They also plan to bid individually in two different product categories within the same CBA. Do they have to obtain a separate bond for each of their individual bids?
One bid surety bond is required, per bidding entity, for each CBA where a bid(s) is submitted. A bidding entity is the entity whose legal business name is identified in the “Form A: Business Organization Information” section of the bid. Please see the table below for clarification on this scenario.
Bids in CBA |
Supplier Included in Bid |
Bidding Entity |
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD CBA |
Who Needs Bid Surety Bond? |
Enteral Nutrition |
Nebulizers |
Standard Power Mobility Devices |
Bid #1 |
ABC DME |
ABC DME |
X
|
|
|
ABC DME is the bidding entity and must obtain a bid surety bond for this CBA where ABC DME is the principal/obligor. |
123 Medical |
Bid #2 |
ABC DME |
ABC DME |
|
X |
|
ABC DME is the bidding entity, but already obtained a bid surety bond for this CBA for Bid #1. A separate bond does not need to be obtained for this CBA for Bid #2. |
Bid #3 |
123 Medical |
123 Medical |
|
|
X |
123 Medical is the bidding entity and must obtain a separate bid surety bond for the CBA, where 123 Medical is listed on the bond as the principal/obligor. The bid surety bond for Bid #1 was obtained by ABC DME (the bidding entity) and does not extend to 123 Medical for Bid #3. |
| 03/07/2019 |
What does composite bid mean?
Per 42 CFR §414.402, composite bid means the bid submitted by the supplier for the lead item in the product category. The lead item is the item in a product category with multiple items with the highest total nationwide Medicare allowed charges of any item in the product category prior to each competition.
| 03/07/2019 |
What does median composite bid rate mean?
Median composite bid rate means the median lead item bid amount for all bidding entities included in the calculation of the single payment amounts within the competition.
| 03/07/2019 |
What is an authorized surety?
An authorized surety is a company that has been issued a Certificate of Authority by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as an acceptable surety on federal bonds, and the certificate has neither expired nor been revoked. The Department of the Treasury maintains an up-to-date list of authorized sureties on its website.
| 03/07/2019 |
Why is there a 30 calendar day deadline for bidder inquiry submission and why are bidders only allowed to submit one inquiry?
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) Section 522 and 42 CFR §414.412(g) requires CMS to return the bid surety bond liability within 90 days of the public announcement of contract suppliers. The bid surety bond forfeiture conditions under 42 CFR §414.412(g)(3) apply to bidding entities that are offered a contract for a competitive bidding area and product category combination(s), including those that receive a contract offer(s) as a result of the bidder inquiry process. As a result, limiting bidders to one bidder inquiry submission within a 30 calendar day deadline is needed to allow CMS to re-evaluate all bid disqualification reasons and, if necessary, issue contract offers within 90 days of the public announcement of contract suppliers.
| 03/07/2019 |
Several Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes are not used anymore (i.e., E0472 and E0130). Under these circumstances it is very difficult or impossible to procure these items at a price that would be considered bona fide. How are the obscure items expected to be bona fide?
We encourage you to use the Lead Item Pricing Calculator, which is designed to help you determine your bid amount for the lead item in the product category and its impact on the non-lead items’ potential single payment amounts (SPAs). Also, you may want to review the Utilization Report. The report indicates the ratios relative to the lead item that will be used to calculate the SPAs for the non-lead items. The Utilization Report also provides 2017 and 2018 allowed amounts for the lead and non-lead items in each product category. Historic and anticipated utilization of the non-lead items are also factors to consider when developing your bid amount for the lead item.
If requested to substantiate your bid amount for the lead item, you should provide an explanation that describes how you arrived at the amount, including factors such as anticipated costs (i.e., direct and indirect) for the lead and non-lead items and desired profit.
| 09/06/2019 |
What criteria will be used to account for indirect costs?
Bid amounts for the lead item will be evaluated to ensure you can acquire the item at realistic and feasible costs based on the submitted documentation. To determine whether a bid is bona fide, the bid amount for each lead item will be evaluated and compared to all other bidders’ bid amounts submitted for the same lead item throughout all competitive bidding areas. When calculating your bid amount for the lead item, you should consider any indirect costs, such as overhead.
If requested to substantiate your bid amount for the lead item, you should provide an explanation that describes how you arrived at the amount including factors such as anticipated costs (i.e., direct and indirect) for the lead and non-lead items, historic and anticipated utilization of the non-lead items, and desired profit. We encourage you to use the tools such as the Bid Preparation Worksheets, Utilization Report, and the Lead Item Pricing Calculator, to assist you with preparing your bid(s).
| 09/06/2019 |
What criteria will be used to evaluate appropriate gross margins?
Bid amounts for the lead item will be evaluated to ensure you can acquire the item at realistic and feasible costs based on the submitted documentation. To determine whether a bid is bona fide, the bid amount for each lead item will be evaluated and compared to all other bidders’ bid amounts submitted for the same lead item throughout all competitive bidding areas. When calculating the bid amount for the lead item, you should determine if its gross profit margin is sustainable for furnishing all items in the product category.
| 09/06/2019 |
Will it be acceptable to have a non-lead item with a single payment amount (SPA) lower than our acquisition cost? If so, how should this be justified in the narrative? Can you provide an example?
When determining your bid amount for the lead item, you should consider the impact on the potential SPAs for the non-lead items in the product category. It is your business’ decision how you determined the bid amount for the lead item. We encourage you to use the tools, such as the Bid Preparation Worksheets, Utilization Report, and the Lead Item Pricing Calculator, to assist you with preparing your bid(s).
If requested to substantiate your bid amount for the lead item, you should provide an explanation that describes how you arrived at the amount including factors such as anticipated costs (i.e., direct and indirect) for the lead and non-lead items, historic and anticipated utilization of the non-lead items, and desired profit.
| 09/06/2019 |
Can I log out of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, while in the middle of entering my bid, then return to DBidS at a later date and finish the bid where I left off?
Yes. You can complete either Form A or Form B over a period of time and go back and make changes before the bid window closes. It’s very important to save what you’ve entered and once finished, to view the status page to ensure all information is complete (i.e., Form A is certified, and Form B is approved).
| 08/07/2019 |
Can I upload multiple bid surety bonds for multiple competitive bidding areas (CBAs) at the same time?
No. When uploading bid surety bonds in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal, you must upload each bid surety bond individually and assign it to the applicable CBA. 42 CFR §414.412(g) requires each CBA on your bid to have its own, unique bid surety bond.
| 08/07/2019 |
Can I upload my applicable state licenses in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal, or do I upload the licenses in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS)?
Licenses should not be uploaded in Connexion. You must have current, non-expired state licenses reflected in PECOS for each supplier location included on your bid by the close of the bid window on September 18, 2019. In addition, please make sure your licenses are maintained and reflected in PECOS throughout the bid evaluation period. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) cannot award contracts with locations that are not properly licensed. A DMEPOS State License Directory is located on the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) website.
| 08/07/2019 |
Does each financial document need to be uploaded separately in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal, or can they be consolidated into one file?
You can upload one consolidated PDF containing financial documents for each bidder number as long as the document size is less than 50 MB.
| 08/07/2019 |
Does the contact person I provided on Form A in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, have to be an authorized official (AO) or a backup authorized official (BAO)?
No, the contact person you assign in DBidS on Form A does not have to be an AO or BAO. However, we will not speak to anyone regarding your bid without approval from an AO or BAO.
| 08/07/2019 |
How do I delete a document that has been uploaded in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal?
Once uploaded in Connexion, documents cannot be deleted. However, you may upload a revised document, and both documents will be reviewed. The document that best meets the criteria outlined in the Request for Bids (RFB) Instructions will be considered during bid evaluation.
| 08/07/2019 |
If I already submitted my bid(s), will I be able to make changes or remove the bid(s) before the bid window closes?
Yes. You have until the close of the bid window to add, change, or delete your bid(s) in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS. Please be aware if any changes are made to Form A or Form B after either form has been approved or certified, the authorized official (AO) or a backup authorized official (BAO) must then re-approve Form A and/or re-certify Form B. If the AO or a BAO does not re-approve or re-certify the form(s), your bid will be incomplete and cannot be further evaluated.
| 08/07/2019 |
Our facility may be moving to a new location during the bidding process. Is this going to be a problem?
If a location included on your bid moves, you must still follow the same requirement to notify the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) within 30 calendar days of the location move. For more information, please contact the NSC at 866-238-9652 or visit the NSC website. The billing number for the location(s) on your bid must remain active throughout the bid evaluation period.
| 08/07/2019 |
Where do I complete and submit Form A and Form B?
You will find Form A and Form B in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS. To enter DBidS, go to the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website and select the Portals tab at the top of the page. You can also click on Bidding in the left menu on the Round 2021 page of the CBIC website, and then choose DBidS: DMEPOS Bidding System. Then, click the "Bid Now in DBidS" button.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal System Use Notification page will appear. Read and agree to the terms and conditions by clicking "Accept." The CMS Enterprise Portal User ID page will appear. Enter your user ID and click "Next." You will then see the CMS Enterprise Portal Password page. Enter your password and click "Log In." Click "Enter DBidS" on the DMEPOS Bidding System (DBidS) Welcome page.
| 08/07/2019 |
How far away from a competitive bidding area (CBA) can a supplier's location be to still be considered for a contract?
Location is not a requirement for bidding unless the state the CBA is located in has such a requirement in order to furnish items and services to beneficiaries residing in that state. A contract supplier must furnish all competitively bid items under its contract to any beneficiary who maintains a permanent residence in or visits a CBA and requests a competitive bidding item(s) from a contract supplier. Please review the Eligibility Requirements fact sheet for additional information.
| 07/09/2019 |
Many different items are included in a product category. How will the quality of the item be measured during bid evaluation? How do you ensure the beneficiary is obtaining a quality product?
Contracts are awarded to eligible bidders who meet the requirements outlined in the Request for Bids (RFB) Instructions, including being accredited by a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved accrediting organization and licensed by the state as applicable, and whose bid amounts fall at or below the pivotal bid*. Like any Medicare-enrolled supplier, bidders who are awarded contracts are expected to comply with the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Standards and the DMEPOS Quality Standards. In addition, contract suppliers must comply with the terms of their competitive bidding contract throughout the contract period of performance. Please see the Contract Supplier Obligations, Monitoring, and Education fact sheet for additional information.
* Pivotal Bid - The lowest bid for the lead item in the product category based on bids submitted by suppliers for a product category in a CBA (competition) that includes a sufficient number of suppliers to meet the projected beneficiary demand for the items in that competition.
| 07/09/2019 |
My business is moving to a new location in about a month. Will this be a problem?
To be eligible for a contract offer, you must have an active billing number. The National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) also requires your billing number to be active. Therefore, if you are moving to a new location you must notify the NSC of your change of address within 30 days of the change. Additionally, all information associated with the move must be communicated to the NSC and updated in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS). For additional information, please contact the NSC at 866-238-9652 or visit the NSC’s website.
PECOS information is used to determine if a bidder meets all enrollment requirements (outlined in the Request for Bids (RFB) Instructions). Therefore, as long as the new enrollment information is communicated to NSC timely and updated in PECOS by the close of the bid window, your bid(s) should not be impacted by the move. Please note that if you are opening a new location that has not been previously enrolled, it could take approximately six to eight months for a new location to be enrolled and assigned a billing number or Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) by the NSC. The new location must be properly licensed, accredited, etc., which are also requirements a bidder must meet to be eligible for a contract offer(s).
| 07/09/2019 |
My competitive bidding area (CBA) is an entire county, which is approximately 3000 square miles. If I accept the contract offer, am I required to service the entire CBA?
Yes. A contract supplier must furnish all competitively bid items under its contract to any beneficiary who maintains a permanent residence in or visits a CBA and requests a competitively bid item(s) from the contract supplier. If the contract supplier is physically located outside the CBA, the contract supplier is still required to service the entire CBA. More information can be found in the Contract Supplier Obligations, Monitoring, and Education fact sheet.
| 07/09/2019 |
I believe I miskeyed the amount. Can I change my bid amount in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS? If not, can I submit a statement explaining that the amount was a keying error?
No. The Request for Bids Instructions state on page 30 that once the bid window closes, all bid amounts are considered final and cannot be amended. Therefore, you will not be able to change the bid amount entered on Form B in DBidS for any reason. At this point, if you believe you would be able to furnish the lead and non-lead items in the product category for the bid amount, you must complete the instructions provided in your Notice to Substantiate Your Bid(s) in Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal, or your bids will be removed from further consideration for a contract award for the applicable competitions.
| 10/16/2019 |
I received a notice in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal, asking me to substantiate one or more of my bid amounts. Why did I receive this notice?
Bids are screened to ensure they are bona fide. This means that your bid amount for the lead item – which also includes consideration for furnishing the non-lead items in the product category, historic and anticipated utilization of the non-lead items, and desired profit – must be rational and feasible for you to furnish the item at your bid amount.
| 10/16/2019 |
I submitted a bid amount for a refurbished item, which is like new. Is that acceptable?
No. The Request for Bids Instructions state that "your bid price must be rational, feasible, supportable, and reflect all costs associated with providing the lead item and services" and that you should "carefully review your bid amounts for keying errors and to ensure you are correctly entering either a purchase or rental amount for a new item as instructed." Bidders were required to submit a bid amount for a new item, as opposed to refurbished, like new, or used, to help ensure the integrity of the bidding process.
| 10/16/2019 |
I submitted a bid amount for one month's rental for a non-invasive ventilator. What documentation should I submit to justify my bid amount?
You should submit supporting documentation for the purchase of a new non-invasive ventilator (E0466). The documentation may include, but is not limited to, manufacturer invoices, receipts (including retail sales receipts), manufacturer price lists, signed written quotes, and/or other financial information. This documentation can be obtained from manufacturers, distributors, retail sales facilities, Internet sales facilities, or any other sources that can legally sell suppliers the item. It is also important that you include a narrative rationale that describes your ability to furnish the non-invasive ventilator.
| 10/16/2019 |
I submitted a bid amount for one month's rental for oxygen equipment. What documentation should I submit to justify my bid amount?
You should submit supporting documentation for the purchase of a new oxygen concentrator (E1390). The documentation may include, but is not limited to, manufacturer invoices, receipts (including retail sales receipts), manufacturer price lists, signed written quotes, and/or other financial information. This documentation can be obtained from manufacturers, distributors, retail sales facilities, Internet sales facilities, or any other sources that can legally sell suppliers the item. It is also important that you include a narrative rationale that describes your ability to furnish the oxygen concentrator, which is the lead item, as well as the non-lead items in the product category. Your narrative rationale should explain how you considered the impact your bid amount for the lead item would have on the potential single payment amounts for the non-lead items.
| 10/16/2019 |
I was talking to another supplier, and he received a notice in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal, asking for supporting documentation for his bid amount for a lead item. Should I have received a notice, too?
Not all bidders are sent a Notice to Substantiate Your Bid(s) in Connexion. These notices were only sent when additional information was needed to support bidders' lead item bid amounts.
| 10/16/2019 |
If I can't get the documentation uploaded in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal, by the date indicated in the Notice to Substantiate Your Bid(s), can I get an extension?
No, there are no extensions. All required documentation must be uploaded by the deadline indicated in your Notice to Substantiate Your Bid(s). Failure to respond by the deadline will result in the bid for the lead item in the competitive bidding area and product category combination being disqualified from further consideration for a contract.
| 10/16/2019 |
If I can't substantiate my bid amount, will my bid be disqualified from Round 2021?
If you are unable to provide the required documentation substantiating your bid amount for the lead item in a competitive bidding area and product category combination (competition), your bid will be disqualified for that competition. However, if you bid in other competitions and you provide supporting documentation to substantiate those bid amounts, or if you were not asked to provide documentation, your bids for those competitions would still be eligible for further consideration.
| 10/16/2019 |
If my bid is disqualified because my bid amount is not bona fide, will I have to forfeit my bid surety bond?
As specified in regulation at 42 CFR §414.412(g)(3)(i), a bid surety bond is subject to forfeiture when a bidding entity is offered a contract for a competitive bidding area and product category combination (competition) and its composite bid for the competition is at or below the median composite bid rate for all bidding entities included in the calculation of the single payment amounts within the competition and the bidding entity does not accept the contract offer. As a result, a bid surety bond is not subject to forfeiture if the bidder’s bid(s) for the applicable competitive bidding area was disqualified and subsequently no contract offer was made.
| 10/16/2019 |
What does it mean to have a bona fide bid amount for Round 2021?
A bona fide bid is an offer to furnish an item or items for a particular price and time period that includes, where appropriate, any services that are directly related to the furnishing of the item or items. For Round 2021, bidders only submitted a bid amount for the lead item in each product category but that bid amount should have included all anticipated costs, including overhead, and desired profit associated with furnishing both the lead item and non-lead items in the product category throughout the competitive bidding area.
| 10/16/2019 |
Why is it important that I provide supporting documents to justify the bid amounts on my bid?
This information is used to verify that your bid amount is rational and feasible, and you are able to provide the item to Medicare beneficiaries for the amount you provided on your bid. This is one of the requirements described in the Request for Bids Instructions. If you do not respond with (1) a narrative rationale that describes your ability to furnish the lead and non-lead items in the product category and (2) supporting documentation that substantiates your ability to obtain the lead item for less than your bid amount by the deadline in the Notice to Substantiate Your Bid(s), we will not be able to evaluate your bid further and it will be disqualified.
| 10/16/2019 |
After viewing my Notice of Covered Document Review Findings and Required Action in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal, I uploaded the missing balance sheet within the 10 business day response period. However, I realized that I initially uploaded the wrong balance sheet and immediately uploaded a corrected balance sheet within the same 10 business day response period. Which document will be reviewed?
We will review both documents that were successfully uploaded in Connexion within the 10 business day response period. The document that best meets the criteria outlined in the Request for Bids Instructions will be considered as your response to the Notice of Covered Document Review Findings and Required Action.
| 10/16/2019 |
Can I fax the documents that were identified as missing in the Notice of Covered Document Findings and Required Action? That's what I did for the last bidding round.
No. For Round 2021 of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program, all required financial documents must be uploaded in Connexion, the program’s secure portal. Mailed, hand-delivered, faxed, or emailed documents will not be considered.
Please ensure your financial documents are not password protected before uploading in Connexion.
| 10/16/2019 |
I missed the 10 business day deadline to respond to the Notice of Covered Document Reveiw Findings and Required Action. Can I have an extension?
Unfortunately, we cannot allow extensions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' regulations (42 CFR § 414.414(d)(2)(iii)) require bidders to respond to the Notice of Covered Document Review Findings and Required Action no later than 10 business days after the notice was issued.
| 10/16/2019 |
I was informed that my statement of cash flows is missing. My CPA is currently working on preparing this document. How long do I have to send this document to you?
You must upload all missing financial documents in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal, within 10 business days of receiving your Notice of Covered Document Review Findings and Required Action.
Please ensure your financial documents are not password protected before uploading in Connexion.
| 10/16/2019 |
I was talking to another supplier, and he received a Notice of Covered Document Review Findings and Required Action in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal. Should I have received a notice, too?
Not all bidders are sent a Notice of Covered Document Review Findings and Required Action in Connexion. These notices are only sent to bidders who submitted a required financial document by the covered document review date.
| 10/16/2019 |
My Notice of Covered Document Review Findings and Required Action says my credit report and score are missing. I also realized that I forgot to submit one page of my income statement. Can I include a revised income statement when I upload my credit report and score?
No. You should only upload the financial documents that are identified in your notice as missing. If you upload documents other than those identified in your notice as missing, they will not be considered.
Please ensure your financial documents are not password protected before uploading in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal.
| 10/16/2019 |
How do I determine whether to provide a personal or business credit score/report?
You must upload a copy of your business’ credit report showing a numerical credit score or rating, your company’s name, and the date that the credit report was prepared – no earlier than 90 calendar days prior to the opening of the bid window. If the numerical credit score or rating is generated separately from your credit report, your company’s name and the date it was prepared must be shown on the credit report and included with the numerical credit score or rating. Your business credit report must be from one of the four approved credit reporting agencies and include one of the acceptable numerical credit scores or ratings listed in the Request for Bids (RFB) Instructions.
If your business’ credit report is not available, a personal credit report for the primary business owner is acceptable. However, a personal credit report with a numerical credit score or rating is not acceptable from bidders filing a regular ‘C’ corporation tax return (Form 1120), except in cases of newly formed corporations. Please see the Required Financial Documents fact sheet for more information.
| 07/09/2019 |
I am a start-up with no previous tax returns. What financial documents should I upload?
If you started your business on January 1, 2019, and submit a tax return on a calendar year basis, you will not yet have been required to submit a tax return prior to the opening of the bid window in July 2019. In this scenario to satisfy the exact twelve-month requirement, the bidder (i.e., new supplier) should upload actual financial statements for the five months ending May 31, 2019, and pro forma financial statements for the seven month period from June 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019. Please review the financial requirements included in the Request for Bids (RFB) Instructions for additional guidance.
| 07/09/2019 |
In past rounds, bidders were asked to include their bidder number on each page of their financial documents. Is this still requested?
Although not required, we recommend including your bidder number on each required document. It is helpful when reviewing your financial documents. As a reminder, bidders must upload the required financial documents specified in the Request for Bids (RFB) Instructions in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal, by the close of the bid window.
| 07/09/2019 |
My company is the bidding entity and we are a subsidiary of a larger corporation. Do I upload my company's credit report and score or should I upload my parent company's credit report and score?
Financial statements should be at the same organization level as the tax return extract. For example, a subsidiary that files its own tax return must upload its own financial statements (i.e., they must be at the subsidiary level) to correspond with its tax return extract. However, if a parent organization files the tax return on its subsidiary’s behalf, the financial statements and tax return extract provided by the subsidiary must be at the parent organization level. Business division or line of business financial statements that do not correspond to the tax return extract will not be accepted. If the parent organization files the tax return on their subsidiary’s behalf, then Form 851 should also be uploaded.
You must upload a copy of your business’ credit report showing a numerical credit score or rating, your company’s name, and the date that the credit report was prepared – no earlier than 90 calendar days prior to the opening of the bid window. If the numerical credit score or rating is generated separately from your credit report, your company’s name and the date it was prepared must be shown on the credit report and included with the numerical credit score or rating. Your business credit report must be from one of the four approved credit reporting agencies and include one of the acceptable numerical credit scores or ratings. If the bidder is included on the parent’s tax return, then we will accept either the parent or the subsidiary’s credit report. Please see the Required Financial Documents fact sheet for more information.
| 07/09/2019 |
Our tax returns are done on a cash basis; however, our financial statements (i.e., income statement, statement of cash flows, and balance sheet) are done on an accrual basis. Is this acceptable?
The required financial statements (e.g., income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows) must be prepared on the same accounting basis: accrual, cash, or tax. However, the required financial documents can be prepared on a mix of accrual, cash, and/or tax basis (e.g., tax return extract prepared on a cash basis and the financial statements prepared on an accrual basis is acceptable).
| 07/09/2019 |
If I bid a price now and in 2021 the cost of the equipment increases, will the single payment amount (SPA) increase, too?
No. Once the SPAs are determined for Round 2021, they will not be adjusted for inflation or price increases and will remain in effect from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2023.
| 07/09/2019 |
If my bid amount for the lead item is below the maximum winning bid amount and I'm offered a contract, will I be reimbursed at my bid amount for the lead item, which is below the winning amount?
For Round 2021, under the lead item pricing methodology, the single payment amount (SPA) for the lead item Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code is the maximum bid amount submitted for that item by suppliers whose bids for the item are in the winning range in that competitive bidding area and product category combination (competition). Therefore, all bidders who are awarded a contract for a competition will be paid at the maximum winning bid amount for the competition. Please see the Lead Item Pricing fact sheet for additional information on the lead item pricing methodology and how the SPAs for non-lead items in the product category will be calculated.
| 07/09/2019 |
What is the difference between the 2015 fee schedule and the 2019 fee schedule, which are both used in Round 2021?
Starting in 2016, competitive bidding pricing information has been used to adjust fees in areas where the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program has not been implemented. That means the 2015 fee schedule is the last fee schedule that was not adjusted using competitive bidding pricing information and, for some items, was not exposed to price inversions among similarly coded items (i.e., where single payment amounts (SPAs) for DMEPOS items with less features are higher than SPAs for DMEPOS items with more features). This is why the 2015 fee schedule was used to determine the relative ratios for non-lead items in the product category. Please review the Lead Item Pricing fact sheet for more information and an example of how the 2015 fee schedule was used to determine the relative ratios.
The 2019 unadjusted fee schedule was used for establishing bid limits for Round 2021. It is simply the annual unadjusted fee schedule adjusted for inflation (i.e., what the 2015 fee schedule would be today if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services did not apply competitive bidding information to the fee schedule).
| 07/09/2019 |
Where can I find the 2019 unadjusted fee schedule?
The 2019 unadjusted fee schedule is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and is not published. However, the 2019 unadjusted fees are used as bid limits for the Round 2021 lead items and can be found on our website.
| 07/09/2019 |
Will the single payment amount (SPA) for the lead and non-lead items be the same for all winning suppliers in the same competitive bidding area (CBA)?
Yes, the SPAs for the lead item and all non-lead items in the CBA and product category combination (competition) will be the same for all contract suppliers. However, new for Round 2021, all bidders who are awarded a contract for a competition will be paid at the maximum winning bid amount for the competition. Please see the Lead Item Pricing fact sheet for additional information on the lead item pricing methodology and how the SPA for the lead and non-lead items in the product category will be determined.
| 07/09/2019 |
With the new lead item pricing methodology for Round 2021, will the non-lead item bid amounts be screened by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure they are bona fide?
A supplier’s bid for a lead item represents its bid for furnishing the lead item and all non-lead items in the product category, i.e., each supplier now submits one composite bid for furnishing all of the items in the product category as a whole. Therefore, due to lead item pricing, it is not feasible to use pricing documentation (e.g., invoices) alone to determine if the supplier’s composite bid is bona fide. While the lead item is, generally speaking, the major revenue generator for suppliers, CMS will review pricing documentation for the lead item and other information to substantiate the supplier’s ability to furnish both the lead item and non-lead items in the product category.
For example, in addition to requiring pricing documentation for the lead item, suppliers who are required to substantiate their bid will also be required to submit a narrative rationale that describes their ability to furnish all items in the product category. An acceptable narrative rationale should demonstrate how the supplier considered the impact its bid amount for the lead item would have on the potential single payment amounts for the non-lead items. If a supplier is asked to provide a narrative rationale and documentation to substantiate its bid amount and they do not provide the necessary information, or the information provided does not substantiate its bid amount, that supplier’s bid for the applicable competitive bidding area (CBA) and product category combination(s) will be disqualified.
As a reminder, Round 2021 of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program will be the first time that bid surety bonds are required. While we will continue to screen and evaluate all bids to ensure they are bona fide, requiring that bidders obtain a bid surety bond for each CBA in which they submit a bid is an additional measure to ensure that bids are bona fide in Round 2021.
| 07/09/2019 |
How long will it take for the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) to process my license or accreditation update?
License Updates: The NSC processes documents in the order they are received. You may call the NSC at 866-238-9652 or visit their website at www.palmettogba.com/NSC for more information.
Accreditation Updates: Accreditation files are updated weekly based on information received from your accrediting organization. Please ensure your accrediting organization is providing correct information for your business.
Important: For bidding purposes, the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) will be checking the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) during the bid evaluation period to see if your license and accreditation was effective by the close of the bid window on September 18, 2019, not the date it was updated in PECOS. It is also important to remember that the state licensing and accreditation requirements must be maintained for each location on your bid throughout the bid evaluation period. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services cannot offer you a contract for a competition where you do not have a licensed and accredited location on your bid.
| 10/16/2019 |
If my state does not require a license, but the notice says my location is missing the license, what should I do?
If your Notice of Preliminary Bid Evaluation indicates your location is not properly licensed, you should refer to the DMEPOS State Licensure Directory on the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) website, and if necessary, contact the applicable state licensing agency. However, if your location is exempt from a state licensing requirement, then you must upload documentation to support your exemption in Connexion, the program’s secure portal, as described in Table 1 of your Notice of Preliminary Bid Evaluation.
| 10/16/2019 |
My location is exempt from a state licensing requirement. What should I do to prove the exemption?
Please refer to the instructions in Table 1 of your Notice of Preliminary Bid Evaluation regarding the documentation that must be submitted to support a licensure exemption.
If your location is exempt from a state licensing requirement, you must upload documentation in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal, that certifies the exemption and includes the following:
- The state and specific name of the state license that is not applicable to location(s) on your bid.
- The Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) for each location on your bid that is not required to obtain the state license.
- An explanation of why your location(s) is not required to obtain the state licenses.
| 10/16/2019 |
My Notice of Preliminary Bid Evaluation didn't indicate anything about my financial documents. Wasn't I supposed to receive a notice if any of my financial documents were missing?
If your financial documents were uploaded in Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal, by the covered document review date (CDRD) on August 19, 2019, you should have received an email on November 15, 2019, instructing you to log into Connexion to view your notice. The email was sent to the authorized official, and any backup authorized officials or end users who registered for your organization.
The Notice of Covered Document Findings and Required Action is separate from the Notice of Preliminary Bid Evaluation. If you did not upload your financial documents in Connexion by the CDRD, then you would not receive an email pertaining to the Notice of Covered Document Findings and Required Action.
| 10/16/2019 |
My Notice of Preliminary Bid Evaluation states that my location wasn't licensed or accredited, my Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) was inactive, and I have common ownership and control problems. I checked the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) and all my information is current and accurate. Why am I receiving this notice?
The preliminary bid evaluation is based on what was on file in PECOS at the close of the bid window on September 18, 2019. If your records have been updated since that date, and you have verified that PECOS is currently up to date, then no other action is required of you at this time.
| 10/16/2019 |
Once I submit a copy of my state license to the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC), will I be contacted to confirm the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) has received my license?
No, you will not be contacted by the CBIC. The CBIC will not receive a copy of your license from the NSC, but will check your enrollment records in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) during the bid evaluation period to verify if the locations on your bid were properly licensed by the close of the bid window on September 18, 2019. All bidders will be informed of their bid results once bid evaluation and contracting are completed.
| 10/16/2019 |
When will I know if the information I submitted to the applicable organization indicated in the Notice of Preliminary Bid Evaluation was acceptable?
All bidders will be informed once bid evaluation and contracting is completed. However, until then, you can contact the applicable organization or check your enrollment record in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) to see if the information was received and processed.
You may also call the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) at 866-238-9652 or visit their website at www.palmettogba.com/NSC for a status update.
| 10/16/2019 |
Are bidders required to register a backup authorized official (BAO)?
A BAO is not required; however, we encourage bidders to register at least one BAO in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal to assist with the bidding process. A BAO has the same capabilities as the authorized official (AO) in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, and Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal. It’s important to note that a BAO must be listed as an AO on your CMS-855S Medicare enrollment application and reflected in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS).
| 07/09/2019 |
Can a delegated official on my Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) enrollment application register as a backup authorized official (BAO)?
No, only an individual identified as an authorized official (AO) on your company’s CMS-855S enrollment application and reflected in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) can register as an AO or BAO.
| 07/09/2019 |
Can I be an end user (EU) for multiple organizations?
Yes, but you can only be an EU for multiple organizations if the authorized official (AO) is the same for all the applicable organizations. The AO will need to approve any EU’s access requests for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, and Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal.
| 07/09/2019 |
Can I request to add access to Connexion, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal before receiving a bidder number?
Yes, a bidder number is not required to request to add access to Connexion. However, you should have a bidder number prior to uploading the required documents in Connexion. You will receive your bidder number after you complete the Business Organization Information section of Form A in the DMEPOS Bidding System, DBidS.
| 07/09/2019 |
How do I select a new authorized official (AO) if our current AO has left the company?
Any person listed as an AO on your CMS-855S enrollment application and reflected in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) can serve as an AO or backup authorized official (BAO) for bidding purposes. If a BAO is registered in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal for your company, the BAO can be promoted to the AO role. Please see How to Update Information in the CMS Enterprise Portal for guidance.
However, if no one is registered in the CMS Enterprise Portal as a BAO, you may add another individual who is listed as an AO on your enrollment application and in PECOS as an AO for bidding purposes. If you have not already done so, please contact the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) to update your enrollment application with your new AO information.
| 07/09/2019 |
I have several Provider Transaction Access Numbers (PTANs) located in one competitive bidding area. Do I need to register each PTAN in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal?
Generally, you should register in the CMS Enterprise Portal using one PTAN and can add other PTANs on your bid in the DMEPOS Bidding System, DBidS. Please refer to the Registration information for additional guidance.
| 07/09/2019 |
I own two companies that are located in different states, and each has its own National Provider Identifier (NPI) and Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN). Do I need to register twice and submit two separate bids for each company?
If your companies are bidding in the same competitive bidding area (CBA) for the same product category, you should register with one PTAN; both companies must bid together as they are commonly owned and cannot compete against each other. However, if your companies are not competing against each other in the same product category and CBA combination, you have the option to register a PTAN for each company and submit separate bids. If you choose to do this, you must upload separate financial documents for each company as well as separate bid surety bonds for each CBA in which each company bids. For more information on commonly owned and/or commonly controlled entities, please see the Common Ownership and Common Control fact sheet and the Request for Bids (RFB) Instructions. Additional information on bid surety bonds can be found on the Bid Surety Bonds page.
| 07/09/2019 |
If I have an account for myCGS, do I need to register for another Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) account?
MyCGS is not hosted in the CMS Enterprise Portal, so you must create a CMS Enterprise Portal account and request to add access for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS and Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal. Guidance on how to register for a CMS Enterprise Portal account can be found in the CMS Enterprise Portal User Manual and how to request to add access to DBidS and Connexion in the Registration Reference Guide for DBidS and Connexion.
| 07/09/2019 |
If I registered for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, or Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program's secure portal in a previous round, do I need to register again?
Yes, all users (authorized officials, backup authorized officials, and end users) must request to add access to Connexion and DBidS regardless of whether they previously had access. For more information on registering for a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal account, please see the CMS Enterprise Portal User Manual and for requesting to add access to the applications, see the Registration Reference Guide for DBidS and Connexion.
| 07/09/2019 |
What application do I select from the drop down menu in Step 1 of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal?
You can select either DBidS or Connexion in Step 1 of the registration process. Once you receive your CMS Enterprise Portal user ID and password, you can log in again to request to add access to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, and Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal. For more information on registering, please see the CMS Enterprise Portal User Manual and the Registration Reference Guide for DBidS and Connexion.
| 07/09/2019 |
I already have a CMS Enterprise Portal user ID and password. Do I still have to register?
If you have an active Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal user ID and password (to access applications such as DBidS, Connexion, SPOT-FCSO, PS&R, Novitasphere, or HPG/HETS), you do not need to apply for a new CMS Enterprise Portal user ID and password, but you should go to the CMS Enterprise Portal and confirm it is still active. It is also important to ensure the email address associated with your CMS Enterprise Portal account is correct and remains active throughout bidding and bid evaluation since critical information will be communicated to you using this email address.
However, you must also request access to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, and Connexion, the program’s secure portal. To request access to DBidS and Connexion:
- From the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website, click Portals in the top navigation bar.
- Click CMS Enterprise Portal.
- Click Register Now.
- Enter your CMS Enterprise Portal user ID and password and click Login.
- Click the Request/Add Apps button on the My Portal page.
- Locate the specific application (DBidS or Connexion) in the Access Catalog and click the Request Access button.
- Select the group "I want to register as an Authorized Official, Backup Authorized Official, or End User..."
- Select your new role (authorized official (AO), backup authorized official (BAO), or end user (EU)) and click Next.
- Complete the Identity Verification by agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, entering your information, and answering a series of questions.
Note: A user is only prompted to complete identity verification one time. If you have already requested a role, you will not be prompted again. However, if you are a new user, you will be requested to complete identity verification.
- Review instructions regarding multi-factor authentication (MFA) and select one of the choices provided: Add MFA, Skip MFA, or Cancel.
- Complete the required fields on the Request New Application Access page by entering the same Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) you provided when you registered to request access for DBidS and Connexion.* Enter the reason for your request in the Reason for Request field (e.g., "Associate with a PTAN" or "Enter bid data"), then click Next.
- The Request New Application Access Review page will display. If the information shown is correct, click Submit.
- The Request New Application Access Acknowledgement page will appear with your request tracking number. You will also receive a verification email. Your role will take up to five minutes to display on the View and Manage My Access page.
* If you are an authorized official (AO), you must enter your organization’s information before submitting your request for access. If you are a backup authorized official (BAO) or end user (EU), search for the PTAN your AO used to register, and then select your organization from the Organization drop down box.
| 06/10/2019 |
I am attempting to register as a backup authorized official (BAO) or end user (EU) and received an error message when I entered my 10-digit Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) on the New User Registration screen. What does this mean?
You must enter the same 10-digit PTAN that was entered by the authorized official (AO) when he or she registered. Please contact your AO to verify which PTAN he or she used to register.
| 06/10/2019 |
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
Go to the CMS Enterprise Portal. In the middle of the page, under the Login button, click the Password link. Enter your user ID and click Next. Three challenge questions will appear for you to answer. You have three chances to answer all these questions correctly. If you try three times and do not succeed, your account will be locked. After you answer the three challenge questions, enter your new password in the New Password field. Re-enter the password in the Confirm Password field and click the Next button.
If you made three unsuccessful attempts to log in, your account may have been locked. You may wait 60 minutes for your account to be automatically unlocked, or you may call the CBIC customer service center at 877-577-5331 to unlock your account.
| 06/10/2019 |
I just created a CMS Enterprise Portal account, but I’m unable to log in.
Once you create a CMS Enterprise Portal account, please allow five minutes for your information to process. After five minutes, you should be able to log into the CMS Enterprise Portal. Even if you have received the verification email, you should still allow five minutes before attempting to log in.
| 06/10/2019 |
I just requested access to DBidS, but the My Access page does not show that I have been granted access. What do I need to do?
If you are an authorized official (AO) or backup authorized official (BAO), the new role may not show immediately. Log out of the CMS Enterprise Portal and wait five minutes before logging in and viewing your access.
If you are a BAO, the role will not display until it has been approved by the AO.
If you are an end user (EU), the role will not display until it has been approved by the AO or a BAO.
| 06/10/2019 |
I received an error message when I completed the Registration Summary page. What does this mean?
Error Message |
Probable Cause |
Remedy |
Our records indicate that you have already registered with EIDM. |
You may already have a CMS Enterprise Portal user ID. |
Call the CBIC customer service center at 877-577-5331. |
The Social Security number you entered is already in use. Enter a valid Social Security number. |
You may already have a CMS Enterprise Portal user ID. |
Call the CBIC customer service center at 877-577-5331. |
User ID already exists. Choose a different User ID. |
You may already have a CMS Enterprise Portal user ID. |
Type in a different user ID to create your account. |
The particular user ID has already been chosen for another user account. |
| 06/10/2019 |
I went to the My Access page in the CMS Enterprise Portal to add a role, but I got a message about my browser’s compatibility, and nothing happens when I make a selection. I seem to be stuck. What can I do?
If you receive a message about browser compatibility in the My Access area, you should press the F12 key on your keyboard. A panel will appear and display your Browser Mode and Document Mode. Click on Browser Mode and select the applicable browser, such as Internet Explorer 11. Click on Document Mode and select Standards (Page Default). Your browser will refresh and you will be able continue. The CMS Enterprise Portal supports the following browsers with JavaScript enabled:
- Internet Explorer 11 (native browser mode)
- Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Safari
| 06/10/2019 |
What do I need to put in the Justification for Action box?
Enter a brief explanation for why you are registering; for instance, "Will input bid data" or "Will approve and certify organization’s bid."
| 06/10/2019 |
Why am I unable to register as a backup authorized official (BAO) or as an end user (EU)?
Your organization’s authorized official (AO) must first register in the CMS Enterprise Portal. Registering additional users, such as BAOs or EUs, cannot be completed until the AO has successfully registered in the CMS Enterprise Portal. Once registered, the AO must then approve the registration of additional users.
| 06/10/2019 |
Why am I unable to register as an authorized official (AO)?
Registration as an AO may fail because:
You are not listed as an AO in your organization’s enrollment file in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) for the Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) you entered in the CMS Enterprise Portal. You may be listed as a delegated official; however, a delegated official cannot register as an AO for competitive bidding purposes. Instead, a delegated official may register as an end user (EU) in the CMS Enterprise Portal. EUs can help create their organization’s bid, enter bid information, and upload documents in Connexion but cannot approve the registrations of others in the organization, approve Form A, or certify Form B. If you are an AO for a PTAN in PECOS and you want to register as an AO, make sure that you enter that specific PTAN when registering.
Your information does not match National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) files and/or Social Security Administration (SSA) files. You should review your enrollment file in PECOS or contact the NSC to verify the PTAN, last name, date of birth, and Social Security number listed in the file. You may also wish to verify that the spelling of your name in PECOS matches what is on your Social Security card or your most recent Social Security statement. You should register with your legal name. If you need to update information in your enrollment file, you may do so by logging into PECOS and making the necessary updates or by submitting an updated CMS-855S enrollment application to the NSC. Either way, the NSC must update this information in PECOS before you attempt to register again. Keep in mind that the NSC has up to 45 days to update your file once they receive your revised CMS-855S application.
For more information about submitting changes to the NSC, visit the NSC website or call 1-866-238-9652.
Date of birth formatting – Review the date of birth you entered in the CMS Enterprise Portal for formatting problems. Make sure you are using an eight-digit date of birth with slashes (e.g., 11/11/1965). The month and day must both be two digits. If the month or day is a single digit (Ex: 1/1/1965), add a leading zero (Ex. 01/01/1965). Also, ensure no extra spaces or slashes are in the formatting. Once the formatting is corrected, you may try to register again immediately.
Another individual has registered as the AO – Only one AO can be registered in the CMS Enterprise Portal for each organization. If another individual in your organization has already registered as an AO, you may still be able to register as a BAO or EU.
You are registered in another CMS Enterprise Portal application – If you are already registered in another CMS Enterprise Portal application, you must request the DMEPOS Bidding System (DBidS) and/or Connexion application(s) to your existing profile. Please review the instructions in the Registration Reference Guide for DBidS and Connexion.
| 06/10/2019 |