CMS Announces Registration and Bid Window Dates for Round 2021 of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the bidding timeline with specific dates for the registration and bid window for Round 2021 of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. The bid window was originally scheduled to open in June, but in an effort to provide bidders with additional time to prepare, CMS will now open the bid window on July 16, 2019.

CMS encourages bidders to take advantage of this additional time to prepare by utilizing the comprehensive bidder education materials. An array of important information and tools, including the Request for Bids Instructions, bidding rules, a Lead Item Pricing Calculator, fact sheets, checklists, and Bid Preparation Worksheets, are on the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website. These resources are designed to ensure that DMEPOS suppliers interested in bidding receive the information and assistance they need to submit complete bids by the close of the bid window.

Webcast Series

As part of its bidder education program, CMS has announced an upcoming series of three webcasts to assist bidders, sureties, and other interested stakeholders with the key components of the Round 2021 bidding process.

May 14, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EDT - Bid Surety Bond and Lead Item Pricing
May 21, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EDT - Preparing and Submitting Financial Documents
May 28, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EDT - Registering and Submitting a Bid

You may register for each webcast by clicking on the corresponding webcast title above. You will also find other information, such as resources and audio requirements, on the registration page. You will be able to submit questions during the webcast; however, if you have questions before or after the webcasts, please submit them to cbic.admin@palmettogba.com with “Webcast Question” in the subject line. These webcasts will also be recorded and handouts will be available for those who are unable to attend the live sessions by visiting Education Events on the CBIC website.

As a reminder, 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.

In addition to viewing the information on the CBIC website, bidders are encouraged to call the CBIC customer service center at 877-577-5331 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.