CMS would like to remind all suppliers that the target deadline for backup authorized official (BAO) registration is today.
Suppliers interested in participating in the Round 2 Recompete and/or national mail-order recompete of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program should have registered an authorized official (AO) by January 6, 2015 . If you have registered an 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 before bidding begins on January 22, 2015.
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.
Remember, you must register even if you registered during a previous round of competition (Round 1 Recompete, Round 2, or the national mail-order competition). BAOs and EUs must also register for a user ID and password in the Individuals Authorized Access to CMS Computer Services (IACS) in order to access DBidS. The name and Social Security number of the AO and BAO entered in IACS must match exactly with what is recorded on the CMS 855-S and on file in PECOS to register successfully. Bidders are prohibited from sharing user IDs and passwords.
Registration extends into the bidding period and will close on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 9pm prevailing ET – no AOs, BAOs, or EUs can register after registration closes. Bidding will close on Wednesday, March 25, 2015.
To register, go to the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website, www.dmecompetitivebid.com, click on Round 2 & National Mail-Order Recompete, and then click on "REGISTRATION IS OPEN” above the Registration clock. We also strongly recommend that you:
- Review the IACS Reference Guide
- Watch the short and very helpful instructional video, “How to Register to Submit a Bid” on your computer, tablet, or phone, and
- Use the IACS: Getting Started Registration Checklist.
We would also like to remind you to:
- Review and update your enrollment records. Suppliers must maintain accurate information on their CMS-855S enrollment application with the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) and in PECOS. It is important to note that if your record is not current at the time of registration, you may experience delays and/or be unable to register and bid. We will also validate your bid data against your enrollment record in PECOS during bid evaluation. If it is not current or accurate, your bid(s) may be disqualified.
- Get licensed. Supplier locations must be licensed as applicable by the state in which it furnishes, or will furnish, products and services under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program.
- Get accredited. Supplier locations must be accredited by a CMS-approved accrediting organization for the products and services it furnishes, or will furnish, under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program.
The CBIC is the official information source for bidders.All suppliers interested in bidding are urged to sign up for “E-mail Updates” on the home page of the CBIC website. For information about the Round 2 Recompete and the national mail-order recompete, please refer to the bidder education materials located under Round 2 & National Mail-Order Recompete > the Bidding Suppliers tab on the CBIC Round 2 & National Mail-Order Recompete web page. 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 2 & National Mail-Order Recompete web page.
In addition to viewing the information on the CBIC website, suppliers are encouraged to call the CBIC customer service center toll-free, at 1-877-577-5331, with their questions. During registration and bidding periods, the customer service center will be open from 9am to 9pm prevailing ET.