[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6348656,"mediaKeyId","2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b","parentId",2240963,"title","Human Services amends MEF contract to lower maximum liability and allow milestone flexibility","audioSeconds",98,"startMs",502000,"endMs",600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b&start=502&end=600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b/thumbnail_502000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6348656/Tennessee/Human-Services-amends-MEF-contract-to-lower-maximum-liability-and-allow-milestone-flexibility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348656-b41a8aadb623d8a94d61cb8afb15f486/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160461&Signature=Z~rRjFaKaDWEPV-6JYlDfh51WqiJQmhZ8dRYeiDOyF52d1W0hE3octvCNoYpwYizlE0396yGYgp8x9PKdyj~p9GNEnNYnu0w1Y8BEmq2PaVLdJMokm55QmxxFf3tFAPJrkQ5ybW9MDh4j4ipSiJ0c3voI5vAkYhQyJUmenti4aMckqzLOY3zoPHKr7-DqF3np5G7a3cLnZqHDfTCHeiGN1S-NLGKfEySrYld1RrgOPyeYp05kfH64D8A0gprSIIwqhpvYS~r96v74fkVElQ1UUrgYkPU0HnOa-KJNs0aSvXl-4tirLaOZkD9LpEDADIxXVDNzjh5f5ipeoh~DT4M4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN State Legislature","date","2025-02-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Fiscal Review Committee approved an amendment to the Department of Human Services’ contract with MEF, the department said, lowering the contract’s maximum liability and adding flexibility for how a $700,000 milestone payment may be allocated.

Callen Baggett, assistant commissioner for external affairs at the Department of Human Services, told the committee the amendment lowers the maximum liability by $60,000 to $5,584,953 and adds language allowing the department, by memorandum of understanding (MOU), to clarify terms already covered in the contract scope. Baggett used an example: rather than a single $700,000 legislative‑presentation milestone payment, the department wants the flexibility to break that payment into smaller, discrete deliverables tied to pilot research needs.

The committee had no further questions and approved the amendment by voice vote.

Why it matters: MEF serves as a research partner on TANF Opportunity Act pilots. The amendment preserves the partnership while giving the department flexibility in how large milestone payments are expended across multiple project deliverables. The department said MEF has been a longstanding partner and the change is intended to reduce administrative friction in executing deliverables.

Follow up: none requested during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fiscal Review Committee\tFeb 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Fiscal Review Committee approved an amendment to the Department of Human Services’ contract with MEF for TANF Opportunity Act pilots, lowering the maximum liability by $60,000 to $5,584,953 and allowing the department to break a $700,000 milestone payment into smaller deliverables via an MOU.","taxTitle","Fiscal Review, Joint, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",28871,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6348661,"TennCare extensions approved as committee presses for progress on reprocurement and vendor transitions",94,3581000,3675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b&start=3581&end=3675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b/thumbnail_3581000.jpg","/articles/6348661/Tennessee/TennCare-extensions-approved-as-committee-presses-for-progress-on-reprocurement-and-vendor-transitions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348661-a7220dfb8386a5d9fe60220edf069470/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160461&Signature=F3vxAqpk7AXnwp5FmUIvsTy-9yZoA73AIhVuNnvdmxuE33UVwMfaYdJRhNq3Fqih5oBTrk1RB2KzXvHLpO5RMBKe-mKFVNbpQP360CcBw3rFf6X-3bC3Ou8P4oB0pUbp0chxuZYsp9vMwdLPFIgLMKGNBycNPO00QXGFk5x4LiDHV6EXx~GBqBjTASr0vyvEBKry1MgsTTLomXEUXe9icuaCUhq4X74sLcqhH0Y1GmGGSkXDaCOPlOBryjhVEtsodxruuHXRA2SvK6N~ILvV08kjoycbA6GmYkttRJ5pXDWwXmwjqJD5tEWMOSaZd-cxcpSorzkP~lhCxsmtoDvE5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fiscal Review Committee approved a package of TennCare‑related contract actions on March 27, including short extensions, option‑year exercises and an increase in funding for selected services designed to support enrollment, asset verification and pharmacy operations.

Zane Sills, chief financial officer for the Division of TennCare, presented several items that the committee took up together. Senator Yeager noted that, after the committee’s prior inquiries, United (an MCO) had paid arrearages to a constituent, and he commended the department and the carrier for resolving that case.

Contracts approved and purpose
- Three managed‑care contracts: the committee approved nine‑month extensions for three MCO‑related items presented together to give the department time to complete procurement work already underway.
- Public Consulting Group (PCG): a six‑month extension and increase to the maximum liability for PCG to continue operating the asset verification system (AVS) that validates certain enrollees’ assets as required by federal rules. TennCare said the procurement to replace the delayed contracts is expected to conclude shortly and the new vendor announcement is expected soon.
- DentaQuest USA: exercised a renewal option and increased maximum liability for continued dental benefits management; TennCare said a new vendor will take over in November after an early reprocurement.
- Stellar Pharmacy Services: exercise of the final option year and funding increase for pharmacy services.

Why it matters: many of these contracts were delayed because Tennessee and other states paused routine eligibility reverification during the federal public health emergency. That pause produced an unusually large set of reverifications that TennCare and its vendors have been processing; the extensions are intended to avoid service disruptions while competitive procurements finish.

Follow up: TennCare told the committee the competitive procurement process for the AVS and related enrollment contracts is underway and expected to finish in the near term; staff said they expected to announce winners shortly.","The Fiscal Review Committee approved a series of TennCare contract extensions and option exercises—covering managed‑care organization extensions, asset verification services, dental benefits and pharmacy services—and heard an update that arrearages involving one MCO were addressed after committee attention.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6348666,"Health department wins approvals for multiple IT, lab and immunization contracts; lawmakers press for procurement clarity",1832,615000,2447000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b&start=615&end=2447","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b/thumbnail_615000.jpg","/articles/6348666/Tennessee/Health-department-wins-approvals-for-multiple-IT-lab-and-immunization-contracts-lawmakers-press-for-procurement-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348666-3495fc66e17accfb2525f963a8690952/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160461&Signature=NH9D0v0rFK7sYOthd0hUBYvL1ltXYpvf8k5Dwmc4Z00i8H2agX2tF1Lc5nG3aeZuTc1cWV9wj1u7fLDlY2iVY8VUEnkpsR-OJw9VmDUFaC7wReOTmjU1V3w4NnsqFoAos0dyfJn7hltSgqK0O9t3lUksWO~9RuJYdh722JiwivggNJoT20oYI36CL-3Vs94KhOOvMptAPcXU4vB6ezQkQk8ZlUl~9dRDfoB2RLuJuqZRguwOBqsloshseo8FfotnkEyf7rWMdtW7O~pKLMcZeR0GMeKh18zawLbnwRPJF6QuOtpe2nqRQlUjuadAWROOgLtqlBjme8qFtl-1Lcvlvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fiscal Review Committee on March 27 approved a package of contracts for the Tennessee Department of Health to maintain and upgrade software systems, laboratory sequencing instruments and the statewide immunization information system.

Department officials said the approvals are needed to keep patient tracking, electronic health record and laboratory sequencing systems operating while staff prepare competitive procurements or implement upgrades. Commissioner Ralph Alvarado and department liaisons described several measures as “bridge” or renewal actions needed to avoid service interruptions.

Key items approved
- An amendment to the contract with Infor LLC to extend Cloverleaf software maintenance and support and add $131,688.58 in funds, bringing the amended maximum liability to $930,101.58. Commissioner Ralph Alvarado told the committee 85% of that contract is state funded and 15% federally funded, and he apologized for an earlier notice timing issue that required a 60‑day waiver.
- A new multi‑year contract with Document Storage Solutions Inc. for maintenance, support and upgrade work on the Electronic Public Health Information system (EPI) and as a bridge toward a modern electronic health record (EHR).
- An amendment combining Illumina reagent and instrumentation contracts to support DNA sequencing used for pathogen tracking, described as a requirement tied to multiple Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs.
- An amendment to Netsmart Technologies Inc. to update transition, ownership and warranty language for the patient tracking/billing management information system (PTBMIS); department officials said an upcoming EHR upgrade will ultimately replace some PTBMIS functions.
- A sole‑source multi‑year contract with Revidi (Rebidi) for FDA‑approved instrumentation and reagents for the newborn screening program; the assistant director of newborn screening said the product line carries FDA approval that standardizes testing across laboratories.
- A one‑year extension and funding increase for SCC Health Inc., which provides maintenance and support for the Tennessee Immunization Information System (state immunization registry). Several members sought detail on revised scope and milestones the department will report, particularly where federal CDC modernization language appears in the amendment.

Lawmakers pressed for clarity on sole‑source decisions and longer‑term procurement plans. Senator Yarborough and other members asked why Document Storage and Netsmart amendments were sole‑source; John Webb, deputy commissioner, said the department intends the upgrades as a short‑term bridge while it writes a more precise, competitive RFP. Webb said the department plans to hire a third party to help write a future RFP and expects a competitive procurement in roughly a year or two.

On immunization system changes, Senator Watson and others asked whether new scope language requires additional reporting to CDC. The department replied the amendment adds modernization and functionality language tied to CDC’s data modernization initiative and said it would provide committee members with the specific metrics and milestone definitions after the meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Infor LLC (Cloverleaf) amendment: approved (two‑thirds roll‑call required and recorded). Added $131,688.58; amended maximum liability $930,101.58; 85% state / 15% federal funding noted.
- Document Storage Solutions — new multi‑year contract for EPI/EHR bridge: approved.
- Illumina reagents/instrumentation amendment: approved.
- Netsmart Technologies PTBMIS amendment: approved; department said the upcoming EHR upgrade will assume many functions.
- Revidi (newborn screening) sole‑source multi‑year contract: approved.
- SCC Health Inc. (Tennessee Immunization Information System) one‑year extension and increased funding: approved; committee requested details on revised milestones and scope.
- Tyler Technologies (Versa) renewal amendment: approved.

Why it matters: the contracts affect core public health infrastructure — patient records, immunization records and laboratory sequencing used for disease surveillance — and members asked for clearer procurement timelines and documentation so future competitive procurements can proceed without repeated contract extensions.

Committee directions and follow up: department staff committed to provide specific milestone language and scope clarifications for the SCC Health amendment and to update members on the schedule and third‑party support for writing the EHR RFP.","The Fiscal Review Committee approved a series of Department of Health contracts — including extensions, sole‑source amendments and upgrades — to maintain software, lab sequencing instruments and the state immunization system. Members pressed the department on sole‑source choices, procurement timing and metrics the state will report to the CDC.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6348670,"Committee approves sole‑source Charter contract to bring fiber to seven state parks",149,341000,490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b&start=341&end=490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240963-764a701ee193988acb6228b54e6bf18b/thumbnail_341000.jpg","/articles/6348670/Tennessee/Committee-approves-solesource-Charter-contract-to-bring-fiber-to-seven-state-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348670-0d09190337502c593c62502ca1bb4382/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160461&Signature=ZruxaMKg7FWGpvBE7pZlrz9D5akgcj4vW0h3YjxPvw0dnM8xhFzeJBzmR1wf2bQQKVZKDlISCNR2-VZRF8iRh4sZKHfkLJmB8jAuezuUbql2VIag7R6I81-Lzoe3Tb1pYTSemCmXusmfuuTMtsWTb0fXSDMZjHidq1f15ZF2TSc9ftcNNbqEndE9gA1d~WG4-15rdToxQLfmBfyDhigpFsb11T~7T0BfVPZpNf2kBE-6VDq~LnVMmmPSGsbjWRvWvDjQI43A~6DMUReGRSuMdkuXyrhnJUoX2RrDjUDOFbi6K~mNa-XmaDLr84LTEpgpEtZMiyNYiTmGotTKNGyoYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fiscal Review Committee on March 27 approved a sole‑source contract with Charter Communications Spectrum Enterprises to install fiber internet at seven state parks.

The contract covers Roan Mountain, Sycamore Shoals, Harrison Bay, Natchez Trace, Indian Mountain, Big Cypress and Pickwick Landing State Parks, the Department of Environment and Conservation told the committee. Allie Williamson, director of legislation for the Department of Environment and Conservation, said Charter is the only broadband provider available at those locations.

The contract drew questions about the use of a sole‑source award. Senator Yarbrough asked for the rationale; Williamson replied that “this is a sole source contract because Charter is the only broadband provider to those 7 state parks.” The committee required a two‑thirds majority for approval; the clerk conducted a roll call and recorded unanimous aye votes on the measure.

Why it matters: the department said the work will support operations at parks where renovations — including a rebuild of lodging at Natchez Trace State Park — temporarily moved guest services to other facilities, and where broadband can support reservation, check‑in and administrative operations.

The committee approved the contract by unanimous roll call. With the vote complete, members thanked department staff and the witnesses who attended.

Looking ahead: the department and the vendor will carry out the installation work; no timeline beyond the contract approval was specified in the presentation to the committee.","The Fiscal Review Committee approved a sole‑source contract allowing Charter Communications to install fiber broadband at seven Tennessee state parks. Lawmakers asked questions about the sole‑source justification before a roll‑call two‑thirds vote approved the contract.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Human Services amends MEF contract to lower maximum liability and allow milestone flexibility

TennCare extensions approved as committee presses for progress on reprocurement and vendor transitions

Health department wins approvals for multiple IT, lab and immunization contracts; lawmakers press for procurement clarity

Committee approves sole‑source Charter contract to bring fiber to seven state parks