Outreach and Communications Digital Engagement System (OCDES)
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 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a Notice of Exception to Fair Opportunity to justify a sole-source extension for its Outreach and Communications Digital Engagement System (OCDES). This action extends the current task order with Carahsoft Technology Group for the govDelivery Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product, valued at $33,471,585.48. CMS seeks to incorporate two additional twelve-month extension periods to the existing contract.
Scope of Work
The OCDES, powered by govDelivery, is a highly customized system critical for CMS's outreach and communication goals. It features complex workflows, system-to-system integrations, data transfer functions, and customized message templates across various CMS websites. Key integrations include the Beneficiary Experience Data Analytics Platform (BEDAP) and Medicare Authenticated Experience (MAX), which support personalized messaging, beneficiary engagement, and enhanced reporting capabilities for CMS leadership. The system also handles transactional message workflows and integrates with third-party tools to send billions of email messages to beneficiaries and stakeholders.
Contract Details
- Type: Sole-Source Extension (Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity)
- Product/Service Code: DA01 - IT and Telecom – Business Application/Application Development Support Services
- Contract Award Number: 47QSWA18D008F / 75FCMC23F0027
- Award Value: $33,471,585.48
- Contractor: Carahsoft Technology Group
- Place of Performance: Reston, VA 20190-5328
- Set-Aside: Not applicable
Justification for Sole-Source
CMS justifies this extension due to the significant customization and deep integration of the current OCDES with multiple critical CMS systems. Rebuilding or restructuring these highly customized workflows and features would involve multiple contractors, extensive system and website changes, and an extended timeline. Such an undertaking poses substantial risks to CMS's ability to meet its outreach and communication goals, particularly during the current open enrollment period, and could impact other Agency initiatives. Transferring data and rebuilding reporting dashboards would also require extensive review and approval.
Key Dates & Contact
- Justification Posted: March 5, 2026
- Public Comment Closing Date: February 13, 2026
- Contact: Donald Bozimski (donald.bozimski@cms.hhs.gov, 410-786-1355)