The JR & Ali Show

CMS Is Open for Business: What It Means for Industry with Robert Hicks

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.
👉 Connect with the Guests:
JR Glass – LinkedIn | GovCon Growth Solutions
Ali Steer – LinkedIn | Steer Operational Solutions
Robert Hicks – LinkedIn | TransformIT

Jason Cullum Joins JR Glass & Ali Steer: CMS Opportunities Return

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, Ali and guest Phil Surine talking ClaimsCore, DIAGNOSE, Neew Models and what is next at CMS

The January edition of the JR and Ali Show brings together a powerhouse trio to break down some of the biggest moves unfolding across Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services right now. JR and Ali, who consistently bring sharp perspective and know how to pull in the right voices, are joined by Phil Surine, President of Federal Health Services at Medkasa, for a timely and insight packed conversation you will be glad you did not miss.
 
Phil Surine is one of the most trusted voices in the federal health community. As a former Deputy Director for the Information Services Modernization Group at CMS and now a senior industry leader, he brings rare inside and outside perspective on how policy, funding signals, and early RFIs are shaping what comes next. Medkasa, a HUBZone small business, is known for turning complex legislation into systems that actually work, backed by a team of former federal staff, clinicians, program managers, and technologists with decades of Medicare and Medicaid experience.
 
Together, JR, Ali, and Phil cut through the noise to unpack what is really happening, where momentum is building, and what smart organizations should be paying attention to right now. If you are trying to get ahead of a fast moving and highly dynamic CMS landscape, this episode delivers the clarity, context, and foresight you are looking for. Definitely one you want in your queue.
 
👉 Connect with the Guests:
JR Glass – LinkedIn | GovCon Growth Solutions
Ali Steer – LinkedIn | Steer Operational Solutions
Phil Surine – LinkedIn | Medkasa

JR, Ali and Guest Tim Clark Discuss the CMS Forecast Trends and Strategic Positioning

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.
👉 Connect with the Guests:
JR Glass – LinkedIn | GovCon Growth Solutions
Ali Steer – LinkedIn | Steer Operational Solutions
Tim Clark – LinkedIn | LMI

Shutdown done. CMS resets. JR, Ali and guest Hytham get you ready!

The CMS shutdown is behind us. The forecast is out. The pace is picking up fast across OIT and the broader CMS ecosystem. This episode of the JR and Ali Show brings you the kind of insider clarity everyone needs as we head into the final stretch before Thanksgiving.
 
JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, are joined by a guest the CMS community relies on when they want the real story. Hytham Said, Vice President at Scope Infotech, brings years of experience helping translate complex policy and legislation into software that actually works. Scope Infotech is a CMMI Maturity Level 3 and ISO certified Small Disadvantaged Business with a long record delivering for HHS and CMS. Hytham is trusted, connected, and known for cutting through the noise.
 
Together they break down what the reopening means, where the real movement is happening inside CMS, what leaders should be watching within OIT, and how to position for the surge of activity heading into the holidays. It is a timely, no fluff conversation that gives you the insight you need to stay ahead.
 
👉 Connect with the Guests:
JR Glass – LinkedIn | GovCon Growth Solutions
Ali Steer – LinkedIn | Steer Operational Solutions
Hytham Said – LinkedIn | Scope Infotech

No CMS Forecast. No Problem. Robert Hicks Joins JR & Ali to Discuss Opps In-Flight, A bundling Trend & CMS Seeking Solutions

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 Robert Hicks, Principal at TransformIT Professional Services.
 
With more than 25 years driving growth for some of the top names in Federal Health, Robert brings deep perspective on what it takes to lead through uncertainty. One week into the government shutdown and still no forecast in sight, the discussion turns to what really matters now. Together, they unpack the status of key opportunities still in flight, trends emerging as agencies rebundle and reprioritize, and the practical steps contractors can take to stay in the game.
 
It is a timely, informed, and grounded conversation about leadership, preparation, and positioning for the moment when the doors reopen and momentum returns.
 
👉 Connect with the Guests:
JR Glass – LinkedIn | GovCon Growth Solutions
Ali Steer – LinkedIn | Steer Operational Solutions
Robert Hicks – LinkedIn | TransformIT

Jason Cullum Joins JR Glass & Ali Steer to Discuss the CMS Forecast: Consolidation, Efficiency, and Opportunity

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. They dive into the newly released September CMS forecast, unpacking the shifts, surprises, and opportunities hiding in the details.
From the removal of tier two projects to emerging consolidation trends across service desks, the conversation explores how contractors can prepare and position themselves for what’s next. You’ll also hear insights on CMS’s push toward efficiency with contract consolidation, updates on the health technology ecosystem, and what the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” priorities mean for upcoming models.
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.
To connect with Jason, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Element here.
 

Anita Allen Joins JR Glass & Ali Steer for an Unfiltered Look and Deep Dive into all things CMS

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 someone who needs no introduction in the HHS and CMS space: Anita Allen. A respected former HHS small business specialist and relentless advocate for industry, Anita has spent years helping companies navigate the complex, fast-moving waters of the Federal health market. Together, we dig into the latest CMS forecast, dissect some of the most recent high-impact wins, and break down key executive moves that could shift the competitive landscape. Anita also shares candid, insider perspective on how deals take shape, get delayed, or flip entirely behind the scenes — offering valuable lessons for anyone competing in this space. And in some exciting news, we reveal that Anita is officially joining forces with JR, Ali, and GovCon Growth Solutions in a new role aimed at deepening their commitment to industry growth, capture excellence, and mission-driven teaming. If you want to understand the strategies, players, and pivots that define success at CMS, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

The JR & Ali Show: From Insight to Impact – The latest on CMS IT with Lee Ann Crochunis

In this episode of The JR & Ali Show, we’re joined once again by Lee Ann Crochunis, Deputy Director of the Office of Information Technology at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. With a career that spans both government and industry, Lee Ann brings valuable perspective on the current priorities at CMS and the evolving role of IT in supporting agency-wide goals.
From navigating mission demands to managing a $1 billion IT portfolio, Lee Ann shares thoughts on what effective collaboration between agencies and vendors really looks like — including the importance of communication, practical solutioning, and mutual understanding.
Hosted by JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, this conversation highlights the importance of agility, relationship-building, and mission alignment in today’s federal health environment.
To connect with Lee Ann, follow him on LinkedIn here.

JR and Ali Show: The Medicare Advantage Black Hole with Mike Sacca

In this episode of The JR & Ali Show special guest Mike Sacca, a senior thought leader in federal healthcare contracting with over 40 years of experience, joins the conversation. Together, they dive deep into the evolving landscape of fraud prevention at CMS, the future of Medicare Advantage oversight, and how industry and government can better collaborate to prevent abuse before it happens.
Mike shares candid thoughts on CMS’s Fraud Detection Operation Center (FDOC) and the much-talked-about “crushing fraud” initiative, while offering sharp critique on missed opportunities and the $66B+ black hole in Medicare Advantage funding. The conversation also unpacks CMS’s budget reductions, the future of the MIDS and RMADA IDIQs, and the balancing act between provider burden, real-time fraud detection, and the need for innovation.
For small and mid-tier companies wondering where to lean in, Mike offers straight talk on how to position strategically in a tightening market — from cost competitiveness to teaming for future IDIQ opportunities.
Hosted by JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, this conversation highlights the importance of agility, relationship-building, and mission alignment in today’s federal health environment.
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.
If you'd like to reach out to Mike, connect with him on LinkedIn. |
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