CMS SPARC
SPARC (Strategic Partners Acquiring Research Collaboration) is CMS's dedicated vehicle for research, data analytics, and actuarial support tied directly to Medicare and Medicaid policy and operations.
- Managed by
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Ceiling
- Multi-billion ceiling
- Scope
- Data analytics, actuarial, research, and IT support services for Medicare and Medicaid program operations
- Period of performance
- 5-year base with option periods
Key takeaways
- Vehicle access is a market position, not a contract — task orders are where revenue happens.
- Read the ordering guide before bidding a task order; format and evaluation rules differ from open-market RFPs.
- Fair-opportunity task orders move fast, often with 10 to 15 day response windows.
- Track on-ramp windows well in advance; they open rarely and close quickly.
How work is ordered
Task orders are competed among SPARC holders, typically requiring deep healthcare policy, actuarial science, or health data expertise given the program's specialized subject matter.
Getting on the vehicle
The holder pool was set at initial competitive award; new firms should track CMS acquisition forecasts for the next recompete rather than expect open enrollment.
Winning task orders
Win rate depends heavily on named subject-matter experts with direct CMS program experience — generalist data science credentials without Medicare or Medicaid domain depth rarely clear SPARC technical evaluations.
FAQ
Is SPARC only for data analytics?
It also covers actuarial, research, and related policy support work tied to CMS programs.
Who typically wins SPARC orders?
Firms with deep healthcare policy and CMS-specific past performance, often including former CMS program staff.
Is SPARC open for new offers?
No, the holder pool was fixed at award; entry depends on a future recompete.
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