Directed Medical Services (DMS)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Labor (DOL), specifically the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), has issued a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for Directed Medical Services (DMS). This RFI aims to identify sources capable of managing and providing a nationwide consortium of medical specialists to facilitate the timely adjudication of workers’ compensation claims. This is for market research purposes and is not a solicitation. Responses to the RFI are due by April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The government seeks services for a nationwide consortium of medical specialists to provide timely scheduling of appointments, case file reviews, and delivery of viable medical reports. Key objectives include determining the causal relationship between work factors and injury, assessing the extent of impairment, evaluating therapy appropriateness, determining return-to-work feasibility, resolving medical evidence conflicts, and obtaining unbiased medical diagnoses. Services include:
- Second Opinion Examinations (SECOP): Medical file review and claimant examination.
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME): To resolve conflicts in medical opinions.
- Case File Reviews: Review of medical files without physical examination.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Purpose: Market research to understand nationwide provider coverage and industry practices.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: April 7, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
- Published: March 24, 2026.
- Period of Performance (Draft PWS): One 12-month base period (March 28, 2026 – March 27, 2027) and four 12-month option periods.
- Place of Performance: Nationwide within the United States, its Possessions, Territories, and Trust Territories.
Key Requirements & Performance Standards (from Draft PWS)
- Timeliness: Strict deadlines for report submission (e.g., SECOP reports within 7 days of examination, IME reports within 14 days). Liquidated damages apply for late submissions.
- Quality: Reports must be comprehensive, unbiased, well-reasoned, and responsive to all questions.
- Staffing: Qualified, board-certified, actively practicing physicians (MD, DO, DPM, Psy.D.).
- Security: Strict compliance with Federal information security standards, Privacy Act, and DOL cybersecurity guidelines.
- Pricing: Fixed Unit Rate contract with tiered pricing incentives for timely report submission.
Market Research & Industry Engagement
DOL will conduct one-on-one virtual meetings with interested vendors from April 8, 2026, to April 13, 2026, via Microsoft Teams. These sessions are limited to the first 15 registrants. Vendors should prepare to discuss their answers to specific RFI questions. Registration is required by emailing Kristen Hines (Hines.Kristen.A@dol.gov) with a copy to Tyrone Wells (wells.tyrone@dol.gov).
Attachments & Resources
Key documents include a draft Performance Work Statement (PWS), a Questions Template, Directed Medical Services Data (CY24) providing volume and geographic insights, and a Pricing Sheet outlining CLINs and tiered pricing structure.
Contact Information
Primary Contact: Kristen Hines (Hines.Kristen.A@Dol.Gov, 215-861-5048) Secondary Contact: Emily Pyatigorsky (pyatigorsky.emily@dol.gov)