The Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) announced this week that registration for the rebid of round one of CMS’s DMEPOS competitive bidding program is now open.
HME providers must register for a user ID and password that will let them use the online Internet bidding system that the bidding program will use to take bids. CBIC made clear in an email announcement that “suppliers that do not register will not be able to bid … If you are a supplier interested in bidding, register now – don’t wait.”
Providers wishing to register should designed one Authorized Official (AO) listed on an CMS-855S enrollment form to act as their AO for registration. The AO’s user ID and password will be sent via mail within 10 days after successful registration, according to CBIC.
After successful registration, the AO then approves other provider employee registration requests. The AO may designate other supplier employees to serve as Backup Authorized Officials (BAO) and/or End Users (EU). BAOs and EUs must also register in order to be able to use the on-line bidding system.
During CMS’s Aug. 19 Open Door Forum,, staff advised providers to definitely register BAOs and other staff so that they can provide adequate coverage incase the AO is not available. Additionally, staff clarified that while the AO designates BAOs and EUs, any person being removed from the process must remove themselves.
In terms of deadlines, CBIC said it “strongly” urges all AOs to register no later than Sept. 14 to ensure that BAOs and EUs have enough time to register before round one re-bidding begins on Oct. 21. It said BAOs should register no later than Oct. 9 so that they can assist AOs in approving EU registration. Registration closes on Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. No AOs, BAOs or EUs can register afterward.
In the Open Door Forum, staff went into further detail about AO registration, noting that AOs should register using one NSC number, and if the AO is part of a network, then it should use the primary provider’s NSC number. However, for a provider with multiple locations in a competitive bidding area that are unique from one another and specialize in specific types of DME, then the AO would register using each location’s NSC.
CBIC noted in its email announcement that the AO’s and BAO’s legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number must match exactly with what is on file with the National Supplier Clearinghouse in order to successfully register. Legal names, dates of birth, and SSNs of all users must also match what is on file with the Social Security Administration.
Staff on the Open Door Forum added that applicants must also pay particular attention to ensure information such as social security numbers, telephone numbers and birth dates.
To register, providers should go to the CBIC site at www.dmecompetitivebid.com and review the IACS Reference Guide for step-by-step registration instructions. The site also includes various tools to help providers in the registration process including a a registration checklist, Quick Step guides, and frequently asked questions.
CBIC also encourages providers participating in the round one rebid to sign up for on its site for email updates.
For more information, providers can call the competitive bidding programs service line at 877-577-5331 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.