DMEPOS Competitive Bidding - Round 2021: Target Deadline for BAO Registration

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would like to remind all bidders that today is the target deadline for backup authorized officials (BAOs) to register for an account in the CMS Enterprise Portal and have access added to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Bidding System, DBidS, and Connexion, the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program’s secure portal.

Registration for DBidS will close on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 8:59:59 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time - no authorized officials (AOs), BAOs, or end users (EUs) can register to add access to DBidS after registration closes. Registration to add access to Connexion always remains open, although we recommend you add access when adding DBidS. It is also important to note that the bid window opens on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, and will close on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

If your organization has already registered an AO but not a BAO, CMS strongly recommends that a BAO(s) register today, if eligible, so he or she will be able to assist your AO with approving upcoming EU registration and with the bidding process. It is important to note BAOs must be listed as an AO on the CMS-855S enrollment application reflected in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS).

The establishment of a BAO(s) is also encouraged to avoid any disruption in the bidding process once the bid window opens. The individual(s) in the BAO role is able to assume the AO role if, for some reason, the AO can no longer fulfill his or her bidding responsibilities. For example, if no one registered as a BAO and the registered AO leaves the company or becomes unavailable during the bid window, your organization may be unable to submit your bid(s). BAOs can also approve Form A and certify Form B(s), which cannot be done by EUs.

Helpful instructions, including the CMS Enterprise Portal User Manual, the Registration Reference Guide for DBidS and Connexion, Registration Troubleshooting Tips, and DBidS and Connexion User Role Table, are on the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website. An on-demand version of the registration webcast conducted on June 11, 2019, is also on the website.

The CBIC is the official information source for bidders and bidder education. CMS cautions bidders about potential inaccurate information concerning the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program posted on websites other than the CBIC website. Bidders that rely on this information in the preparation or submission of their bids could be at risk of submitting a non-compliant bid. Visit the CBIC website for valuable resources and tools and to subscribe to Email Updates.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the CBIC customer service center at 877-577-5331 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, during the registration and bid windows. Hours will be extended until 9 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time during the last two weeks of the registration and bid windows.