BALTIMORE — According to the countdown clock on the CBIC Web site, there are exactly 49 days left before Round 1 competitive bidding registration closes.
In a message sent yesterday, CMS and its DME MACs reminded providers that the target deadline for authorized officials (AOs) to register was Sept. 14, and that backup authorized officials (BAOs) should register no later than Oct. 9. Registration will close on Nov. 4.
According to the notice:
"All suppliers interested in bidding must designate one AO from those listed on the CMS-855S enrollment form to act as their AO for registration purposes. If you are a supplier interested in bidding and your designated AO has not yet registered, he or she should register now. Suppliers whose AOs do not register will not be able to bid when bidding opens. AOs who do not register now may not have time to designate other employees to assist with bidding.
"Remember, the AO must be listed on the CMS-855S enrollment form. Once the AO registers, then the AO's user ID and password will be sent by mail and should be delivered within 10 days after successful registration. After an AO successfully registers, the AO may designate other employees to serve as Backup Authorized Officials (BAOs) and/or End Users (EUs). BAOs and EUs must also register in order to be able to use the on-line bidding system. The legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number (SSN) of the AO and BAOs must match exactly with what is on file with the National Supplier Clearinghouse in order to register successfully. Legal names, dates of birth, and SSNs of all users must match what is on file with the Social Security Administration.
"We recommend that BAOs register no later than October 9, 2009 so that they will be able to assist AOs with approving EU registration. Registration will close on November 4, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. EST - no AOs, BAOs, or EUs can register after registration closes."
The CBIC will hold the third in a series of Special Open Door Forums on the Round 1 rebid today from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET. To listen in on the teleconference, call 800/837-1935 and reference Conference ID 23044660.
For more information on bid registration, go to the CBIC Web site at http://www.dmecompetitivebid.com.
For questions, contact the CBIC Customer Service Center at 877/577-5331.