Politico Pro Subscription

Statement of Work (SOW)

To acquire a firm-fixed-price, subscription-based information service providing licensed access to policy, legislative, regulatory, and media-related content, along with user support, for CMS operations.

• Provide a subscription-based information service for twenty-five (25) licensed CMS users.

• Offer continuous, 24/7 web-based access to the service.

• Deliver customizable, real-time news and policy coverage relevant to CMS mission areas.

• Provide curated newsletters, alerts, and analytical content.

• Offer access to in-depth reporting, calendars, and issue-specific expert communities.

• Include access to subscriber-only events and panel discussions.

• Ensure delivery of news updates and alerts in real time or near real time.

• Designated contractor representative must respond to technical issues, customization requests, or general inquiries within twenty-four (24) hours.

• The period of performance includes a twelve (12)-month base period with one (1) twelve-month option period.

• The service is web-based and accessible 24/7, excluding scheduled maintenance.

• All services must be delivered independently and in compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and CMS policies.

• Coordination regarding user access, account setup, customization, and support must be routed through the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Contractor is responsible for invoicing, billing, and overall contract compliance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a subscription-based information service providing licensed access to policy, legislative, regulatory, and media-related content, along with associated user support services. The service, known as Politico Pro, is intended for twenty-five (25) CMS users to monitor news in near real-time, aiding in understanding the country's news and political environment, particularly concerning healthcare. This will help the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determine messaging strategies.

• Provide 25 licensed subscriptions to Politico Pro.

• Offer access 24 hours per day via the internet.

• Ensure delivery of news updates and alerts in real-time or near real-time.

• Provide associated user support services.

• The Statement of Work (SOW) is provided as Attachment 1 and is a part of this Purchase Order.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: March 11, 2026, to March 10, 2027.

• Product Service Code: R699.

• Severability: Yes.

• Quotes must not exceed three (3) pages and must be submitted in PDF format.

• Pricing must be submitted for the Period of Performance using the Supplies or Services and Price/Cost Line item structure.

• Offerors must demonstrate an understanding of the requirements outlined in the Evaluation Factors for Award.

• Quotes are due by 12:00 PM EST on March 3, 2026.

• Questions should be submitted to Domonique Sparks (Contract Specialist) and Heather Parr-Stewart Lang (Contracting Officer) no later than 10 AM EST on February 26, 2026.

• Evaluation will be based on a "lowest priced technically acceptable" (LPTA) analysis.

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote meets RFQ requirements and offers the lowest price technically acceptable.

• The acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including those related to commercial items, contractor responsibilities, and information security.

• Specific clauses related to HIPAA, CMS Records Management, and CMS Information Security are included.

• Offerors must ensure compliance with various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, including those related to telecommunications and video surveillance services, and supply chain security.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Full and Open Competition Request for Quote (RFQ) for a "POLITICO Pro Subscription" to be procured by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The government intends to award a fixed-price purchase order under Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

• Procurement of "POLITICO Pro Subscription" services as defined in an attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• Quotes must demonstrate an understanding of the requirements.

• North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS): 519290, "Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services."

• Period of Performance: One (1) base period tentatively from March 11, 2026, to March 10, 2027.

• Quotes must be prepared according to the instructions in the RFQ.

• Quotes shall not exceed three (3) pages and must be submitted in PDF format.

• Offerors shall submit pricing for the Period of Performance.

• Evaluation will be based on factors outlined in the RFQ.

• All quotes must be received by 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 3, 2026.

• Vendors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible.

• Questions must be referred to the Contract Specialist, Domonique Sparks (Domonique.Sparks@cms.hhs.gov), or the Contracting Officer, Heather Parr-Stewart Lang (Heather.Parr-StewartLang@cms.hhs.gov), no later than 10:00 AM on February 26, 2026.

• Quotes should be submitted to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• The procurement is subject to availability of funds.