How to bid on HQR Analytics, Reporting, Business Outcomes and Research (HARBOR) for HHS

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is looking for information from vendors who can provide application development organization (ADO) services for their Hospital Quality Reporting (HQR) Analytics, Reporting, Business Outcomes and Research (HARBOR) system. This includes management, supervision, administration, and labor.

This is a Request for Information (RFI), which means CMS is conducting market research. They want to understand what qualified vendors are available to support the HARBOR system. While this is not a contract award notice, responding to an RFI can help a vendor position themselves for future opportunities related to this work.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The deadline for submitting responses to this RFI is August 07, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All responses must be submitted by this time.

Since this is an RFI, the agency is gathering information. There will not be a contract awarded directly from this request. Instead, the information collected will help CMS plan for future procurements related to the HARBOR system.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for technology firms with expertise in application development, particularly those with experience in managing, supervising, and administering complex IT systems. Vendors should have capabilities in analytics, reporting, and supporting business outcomes and research within a healthcare or quality reporting context.

Firms specializing in government IT services, especially those familiar with health-related data systems like those used by CMS, would find this RFI relevant.

How to respond

To respond, you need to submit your information through GSA. The solicitation provides an online link for submission.

First, click the "View original source" link to open the opportunity on the portal. If you land on the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Even though this is an RFI, provide clear and concise information about your firm's capabilities. Focus on your experience with application development, system management, and any relevant work with analytics or reporting systems, especially in a healthcare or government setting.

Highlight your team's expertise and any specific technologies or methodologies you use that would be beneficial for supporting a system like HARBOR. Ensure your response directly addresses the agency's stated need for management, supervision, administration, and labor for ADO services.

Pay close attention to the submission instructions and ensure your response is submitted through the specified GSA link before the deadline. A well-organized and professional response, even for an RFI, can make a positive impression for future opportunities.