The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would like to remind all suppliers that the target deadline for backup authorized official (BAO) registration is today.
Bidding for Round 1 2017 of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) began on October 15, 2015. If you have already registered an Authorized Official (AO) but not a BAO, CMS strongly recommends that a BAO register today so that they will be able to assist AOs with approving end user (EU) registration.
The establishment of a BAO(s) is encouraged to avoid any disruption in the bidding process once the bidding period opens. The individual(s) in the BAO role can also assume the AO role if for some reason the AO can no longer fulfill his or her bidding responsibilities. For example, if there is no registered BAO and the registered AO leaves the company or becomes unavailable during the bidding period, all EUs associated with the company will lose access to the bidding system.
Visit the Round 1 2017 Registration page for information on how to complete registration. The EIDM Reference Guide and EIDM: Getting Started Registration Checklist are available to assist you with this process. To enter the online bidding system, DBidS, you must have:
- a CMS EIDM system user ID and password, and
- added access to DBidS in EIDM.
To register, the name and Social Security number of the AO and BAO entered in EIDM must match exactly with what is recorded on the CMS-855S enrollment application and on file in PECOS. Bidders are prohibited from sharing user IDs and passwords.
Registration extends into the bidding period and will close on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 9 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time – no AOs, BAOs, or EUs can register after registration closes. BIDDING WILL CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015.
The CBIC is the official information source for bidders and bidder education. CMS cautions bidding suppliers about potential inaccurate information concerning the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program posted on websites other than the CBIC website. Suppliers that rely on this information in the preparation or submission of their bids could be at risk of submitting a non-compliant bid. All suppliers interested in bidding are urged to sign up for E-mail Updates on the home page of the CBIC website.
The CBIC participates in numerous educational events to assist stakeholders in understanding the rules that govern the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. Visit the CBIC website for a listing and schedule of educational events under the Educational Information section of the Round 1 2017 page.
In addition to viewing the information on the CBIC website, suppliers are encouraged to call the CBIC customer service center toll-free at 877-577-5331 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Hours are extended to 9 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time during the last two weeks of the registration and bidding windows.