HealthPRO often receives inquiries regarding the communication activities during the contract blackout period; that is, the period between RFQ/RFP posting and contract award. While there are activities that are not allowed, there are also activities that members can engage in to assist with contract commitment and supplier selection. Below you will find a helpful summary about blackout periods.

During the blackout period for an applicable HealthPRO RFx process:

• Members can engage in the following activities to assist with contract commitment and supplier selection:
  • request samples (in reasonable quantities) related to the RFx process from suppliers for product trials and subsequent evaluation and validation purposes with the assistance of their member support representative
  • ask suppliers to participate in presentations related to the RFx process

These activities are encouraged, particularly during the Survey for Commitment phase of the RFx process which occurs between RFQ and RFP. This allows members’ front-line clinicians to be part of the product trials and provide valuable feedback so that members can make an informed commitment and subsequent supplier selection decisions.

• Suppliers can continue to conduct business as usual and participate in member related requests as indicated above, however they may not: 
  • have discussions related to the RFx process or their submission/proposal with HealthPRO members
  • request an evaluation of their products unless requested by HealthPRO or a member
  • ask whether a member intends to participate in the resulting contract

We recognize members may have their own internal processes and codes of conduct related to supplier interactions and activities that are in addition to or outside of the “dos and don’ts” of the HealthPRO blackout period. Members are encouraged to communicate their own codes of conduct to suppliers so that suppliers have a clear understanding of what is expected. Members are also encouraged to contact HealthPRO if they feel that suppliers are not adhering to the allowed activities of the HealthPRO blackout period.

If you have further questions about blackout periods in general, please read this FAQ document, or reach out to your Member Support representative.