INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE FOR SENTINEL 2.0 BRIDGE CONTRACT TO HARVARD PILGRIM HEALTH CARE INC.
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to award a sole source bridge contract to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Inc. for the extension of Sentinel 2.0 operations. This action ensures uninterrupted service for the critical Sentinel system until a competitive Sentinel 3.0 contract is awarded. Responses from interested parties are due by February 4, 2026.
Scope of Work
This bridge contract will maintain the Sentinel system's capabilities, which include:
- Active Risk Identification and Analysis System (ARIA)
- Real World Claims (RWE)-Electronic Health Records (EHR) linked data
- Leadership and Program Management
- Atlassian Access and Supporting Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) Compliance
The Sentinel System is a Congressionally mandated program (FDAAA 2007) that modernizes safety surveillance by leveraging electronic healthcare data and advancing epidemiological methods. It also supports Real-World Evidence (RWE) initiatives as mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Intent to Sole Source Bridge Contract
- Awardee: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Inc. (incumbent)
- Period of Performance: 18 months total
- Base Period: March 29, 2026 – September 28, 2026 (6 months)
- Option Period 1: September 29, 2026 – March 28, 2027 (6 months)
- Option Period 2: March 29, 2027 – September 28, 2027 (6 months)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Response Due: February 4, 2026 (7 calendar days from publication)
- Published: January 28, 2026
- Place of Performance: Silver Spring, MD
Justification & Response
The sole source justification is based on Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Inc.'s incumbent status and necessary expertise to ensure continuity of operations and prevent a lapse in critical services during the transition to Sentinel 3.0.
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, firms believing they can fulfill the requirements may submit their interest and capabilities within 7 calendar days of publication. The Government will review submissions to determine if a competitive procurement process is feasible. All inquiries must be submitted via email to Howard Yablon (howard.yablon@fda.hhs.gov).