Health Plan Innovation Support (HPIS) Task 1

Other / Unclassified

This document is a synopsis of a sole-source bridge award issued by the Defense Health Agency Professional Services Contracting Division (DHACA PS-CD) to Mercer (US), LLC. The award is for Health Plan Innovation Support Task 1, specifically for TRICARE benefit support. The contract was awarded under FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii)(B).

This document informs potential bidders that a sole-source contract has been awarded and that this is not a Request for Proposal. It provides details about the awarded contract, including:

• Contract Award Number: HT001126FE008
• Solicitation Number: HT001126RE007
• Contract Award Dollar Amount: $1,721,973.68
• Period of Performance: 12 Months for CLIN 0001 (HPIS Task 1 Support)
• Contractor: Mercer (US), LLC
• Description of Services: Rate Study Methodology Development and Health Plan Comparison Analysis Support for TRICARE Health Plan (THP) products, including Health Plan Innovation Support, Analysis and Methodology Development, and Financial Management Expertise.
• Place of Performance: Falls Church, VA
• Contract Award Date: January 15, 2026
• Synopsis Date: January 23, 2026

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies a sole-source, firm-fixed-price, one-year bridge contract for Health Plan Innovation Support (HPIS) Task 1 services. The contract is to be awarded to Mercer (US), LLC, to prevent a prolonged lapse in essential services following the expiration of a previous contract (HT940220F0009) on October 2, 2025.

The contractor, Mercer, will provide specialized actuarial and analytical services for the Defense Health Agency (DHA), including:

• Rate Study Methodology Development

• Health Plan Comparison Analysis Support for TRICARE Health Plan (THP) products

• Comprehensive actuarial expertise and analytical services for financial management, payment methodologies, and healthcare delivery system optimization.

• Development and implementation of defensible rate study methodologies to improve TRICARE rate strategies, ensuring quality care and beneficiary access while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

• Financial management expertise focused on cost management and recovery through advanced analytical frameworks and data-driven decision-making.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: One year (January 15, 2026 - January 14, 2027)

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but funding is identified as O&M.

This document is a justification for other than full and open competition, not a solicitation. Therefore, proposal submission and evaluation criteria are not applicable here.

This action is being justified for sole-source award to Mercer (US), LLC, due to the unique capabilities and qualifications required to meet the urgent need and avoid unacceptable delays. Market research indicated no other source could provide the necessary support without significant delays, increased costs, or duplicative efforts.

• The justification cites FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii)(B) – Unacceptable Delays in Fulfilling the Agency's Requirements.
• Mercer's prior work on HT940220F0009 is highlighted as critical to their ability to provide seamless support.
• The bridge contract is intended to mitigate risks associated with staffing changes and delays in the re-solicitation of a follow-on contract.
• The document also addresses the importance of Mercer's role in overseeing Managed Care Support Contractors (MCSCs) and determining award fees, noting that a lapse in service would compromise this oversight and potentially lead to unjustified award fee disbursements.