ORAU has been awarded a five-year, $34 million contract by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide technical assistance services in support of the Initiative to Support Promising Research program, according to an April 15 announcement.
The contract will see ORAU supporting research and development activities related to health care delivery and payment models. The agreement was secured through the General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedule vehicle.
Meghan Millwood, ORAU president and CEO, said, “We provide subject matter experts from across the health care continuum, including researchers, providers, policy experts and others who contribute technical expertise and external perspectives.” She added that these experts may assist CMS with developing, implementing, and evaluating health care models as directed. “INSPIRE is a contract vehicle that enables access to subject matter expertise.”
Brenda Blunt, ORAU senior director of health and resiliency strategy, said: “With ORAU, the structure is already in place. We bring experience, processes, and a network of experts to perform work as defined under the contract.”
The INSPIRE program aims to connect private sector and academic expertise with federal research efforts in health care delivery. Experts may provide input on topics such as accountable care organizations or value-based purchasing. “We are honored to continue supporting CMS through INSPIRE,” Blunt said.
According to ORAU’s statement about future plans under this arrangement: “ORAU may pursue similar opportunities with other agencies in accordance with applicable procurement requirements.”