The latest CMS forecast is here, and while the numbers remained relatively steady, the real story is happening behind the scenes.

In this episode, JR and Ali, and returning guest Mike Sacca break down the organizational shifts, procurement trends, and contract activity shaping the CMS marketplace. The discussion explores what the creation of the Office of Health Technology Products (OHTP) could mean for programs like Claims Core and provider directory modernization, how leadership changes across CMS may affect customer engagement, and why companies should rethink their relationship strategies as organizations evolve.

The team also examines the latest forecast, including new and returning opportunities, the continued role of small business set-asides, and whether certain opportunities may migrate to different contract vehicles. They wrap up by discussing several notable contract awards, surprising incumbent changes, and what those wins reveal about the current competitive landscape at CMS.

The latest CMS forecast is out, and while the total number of opportunities remains steady, the story is in the details. On this episode, JR, Ali, and returning guest Robert Suggs of Dynanet Corporation discuss the shifting CMS procurement landscape, from forecast changes and market research efforts to evolving acquisition strategies and major modernization initiatives.

The conversation explores what recent forecast updates signal about CMS priorities, the growing role of GSA vehicles, and why small businesses should pay close attention to market research opportunities. The team also breaks down new phased procurement approaches, proof-of-concept evaluations, and what recent protest decisions may reveal about how CMS is selecting vendors.

They also dive into the newly created Office of Health Technology and Products (OHTP), discuss the agency’s push toward modernization and in-house expertise, and unpack one of the biggest stories in the CMS ecosystem: Claims Core Modernization. From organizational changes to major contract awards, this episode offers valuable insight into where CMS is headed and what industry should be watching next.

What does the future of healthcare program integrity look like when fraud is stopped before the money ever leaves the door?

On this episode of The JR & Ali Show, CMS Deputy Administrator and COO Kim Brandt shares how the agency is transforming its approach to fraud, waste, and abuse through AI, machine learning, real-time analytics, and unprecedented collaboration across government and industry. Kim discusses CMS’s shift from a traditional “pay and chase” model to a proactive “stop and catch” strategy, the creation of Medicare and Medicaid fraud war rooms, and how technology is helping identify suspicious billing patterns before billions of taxpayer dollars are lost.

The conversation also explores the role of interoperability, data sharing, and industry partnerships in building a more connected healthcare ecosystem. Kim offers insight into how CMS balances aggressive oversight with minimizing burdens on legitimate providers, why beneficiary protection remains at the center of every decision, and what the next three to five years could look like as AI becomes embedded across the healthcare landscape.

If you want an inside look at how CMS is modernizing program integrity while protecting beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayer dollars, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of The JR & Ali show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, are joined by Hytham Said, Vice President at Scope Infotech. The discussion explores why opportunities are moving, disappearing, or changing contract vehicles and how smart business development teams are adapting in real time.

From staffing shortages and OMAS transitions to evolving acquisition strategies and increased use of vehicles like Alliant, MAS, and SPARC, the conversation offers a candid look at how agencies are trying to create “easy button” procurement paths while contractors work to stay positioned. The episode also tackles the uncertainty surrounding the SBA 8(a) program, aggressive audits, and how small businesses can pivot through strategic partnerships and teaming relationships.

The group shares practical advice on shaping opportunities before the RFP hits, leveraging market research, preparing for end-of-year “sweeps,” and finding growth opportunities through innovation and AI initiatives.

JR & Ali welcome Doug Bergevin to break down one of the biggest shifts happening across HHS and CMS acquisition, what the move to OMAS really means for industry. From organizational changes to the realigning of work, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to unpack what contractors should actually expect in the months ahead.

Part of the conversation is SPARC, why it’s been identified for transition, what that signals for enterprise-wide buying, and how contractors should be thinking about positioning the vehicle across HHS. Doug shares insight into whether SPARC will be extended or re-competed, how it fits into broader category management goals, and why it continues to be a critical tool despite the shift toward best-in-class vehicles.

The discussion also covers practical guidance for navigating the transition: how to engage during uncertainty, who to reach out to, and what to expect with timing, source selections, and new contracting officer assignments. Plus, an inside look at how forecasts may evolve, how technical evaluations will still be driven by CMS, and why flexibility is becoming central to acquisition strategy.

If you’re trying to understand how OMAS, SPARC, and enterprise buying strategies intersect and what it means for your pipeline, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

On this episode, JR and Ali are joined by Phil Surine, President at Medkasa, who returns to unpack the latest CMS budget and forecast and what it all actually means for contractors trying to navigate a rapidly shifting landscape. With FY27 priorities coming into focus, Phil breaks down how past initiatives are resurfacing, where new investments are being made, and why not every big announcement translates into contract opportunities.

From AI and modernization to program integrity and public-private partnerships, this episode explores how CMS is approaching an all-of-the-above strategy and what that means for growth teams trying to align their pipelines. The discussion also dives into key forecast changes, including new opportunities, evolving contract vehicles, and the increasing complexity around major initiatives like the National Provider Directory and Claims Core.

Beyond the headlines, Phil offers practical insight into how to interpret these signals, where to look for real traction, and how to position for both near-term wins and long-term plays. If you’re trying to connect the dots between budget priorities, acquisition strategy, and actual opportunity, this conversation delivers the clarity you need to stay competitive.

On this episode of The JR & Ali Show, hosts JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, are joined by returning guest Robert Hicks, Principal at TransformIT Professional Services. The trio dives into a rapidly evolving CMS landscape, where one message is coming through loud and clear: CMS is open for business—and actively engaging with industry in new ways.

Fresh off major events like HIMSS and the Quality Conference, the conversation highlights an unprecedented level of accessibility from CMS leadership, with senior officials openly sharing priorities around digital transformation, AI-driven analytics, and fraud prevention. They explore what this shift means for contractors, emphasizing the importance of showing up, engaging early, and thinking beyond traditional approaches.

From the launch of the CRUSH initiative to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, to broader discussions around enterprise modernization and the future of claims processing, this episode unpacks both the opportunities and the complexities ahead. For industry players, the takeaway is clear: this is a pivotal moment to lean in, bring innovative ideas, and help shape the next phase of CMS transformation.

On this episode of the JR & Ali Show, hosts JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, chat with guest Jason Cullum, a Vice President with Element Solutions and a seasoned Health IT veteran with more than 20 years of experience, including over 15 years working directly with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Jason shares insight into a clear trend: CMS is moving toward a show, don’t tell model. Instead of lengthy written proposals, vendors are increasingly being asked to bring working demos, commercial products in production, and real capabilities to the table, sometimes as early as phase one. This shift, influenced by digital service methodologies and modernization efforts, is changing how companies must prepare and compete.

The conversation explores what this means for small businesses—whether it levels the playing field or raises the bar—and how firms should think strategically about partnerships, specialization, and where to invest limited resources.

To connect with Jason, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Element here.

If you'd like to reach out to JR, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn More About GovCon Growth Solutions here.

If you'd like to reach out to Ali, connect with her on LinkedIn. | Learn More About Steer Operational Solutions here.

JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, are joined by Tim Clark of LMI, a long-standing leader in CMS digital modernization. 

The three analyze key shifts in the December CMS forecast, highlighting trends such as continued consolidation of contracts, the impact of government slowdowns, and the rise of limited-invite procurements. They break down major opportunities, including Security Innovation and Operations (SIO), PPI MEDIC, the Risk Adjustment Suite (RAS), and the evolving Data Resource Center initiative. The conversation explores how incumbency, conflict-of-interest constraints, and CMS procurement strategies influence the competitive landscape.

A major theme throughout: CMS is reconfiguring programs with an emphasis on modernization, operational security, interoperability, and data-driven decision-making. This discussion provides BD, strategy, and program leaders with actionable insight into how CMS is signaling priorities, how vendors should position their capabilities, and what trends to watch as CMS moves deeper into modernization and consolidated acquisition strategies.