Podcast Summary: The Daily Scoop Podcast

Episode: CMS connects with Palantir for national provider directory project
Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) signaling interest in Palantir to support a prototype for a National Provider Directory—a long-sought digital directory of healthcare providers and facilities. The episode also covers a significant Department of Energy (DOE) request for proposals to build AI data centers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, reflecting government priorities in digital infrastructure and energy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. CMS & Palantir: The National Provider Directory Prototype

[00:30–03:40]

• CMS Awards $1 Contracts for Prototypes

  • Federal records show Palantir is one of four recipients of $1 contracts from HHS/CMS specifically mentioning “National Provider Directory” and “proof of concept.”
  • “The four separate contracts made public Sept. 30 award $1 to each company and are set to expire Nov. 13…” (Billy Mitchell, 00:57).
  • These contracts demonstrate early-stage, low-cost prototyping for the agency’s directory vision.

• A Credentialized Data Hub in the Works

  • The National Provider Directory is intended as a credentialized data hub for provider and facility information nationwide, helping both patients and healthcare organizations.
  • “CMS has suggested the directory could serve as a credentialized data hub for healthcare provider and facility nationwide.” (Billy Mitchell, 01:40).

• Palantir’s Expanding Government Footprint

  • Traditionally a Pentagon contractor, Palantir continues moving into civilian government spaces—including work with CDC and ICE.
  • “Palantir has long held contracts with the Pentagon, but has expanded in recent years to civilian agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” (Billy Mitchell, 02:02).
  • Palantir’s Foundry platform is already used in data sharing at CDC and similar efforts in the UK.

• Other Contractors & Public Silence

  • The other three awards went to Gainwell Technologies, Council for Affordable Healthcare Inc., and Availity. None commented publicly.
  • “The four listed companies declined to publicly comment on the matter.” (Billy Mitchell, 03:17).

• Long-Term Context

  • This step comes nearly three years after CMS first requested public input on the directory, formally known as the National Directory of Healthcare Providers and Services.

2. DOE’s RFP for AI Data Centers at Oak Ridge

[03:41–04:30]

• Major Proposal for Cutting-Edge Facilities

  • DOE is seeking proposals for the design, construction, and operation of AI data centers and energy infrastructure at Oak Ridge National Lab.
  • “The Department of Energy is requesting proposals for the build out and maintenance of AI data centers and energy generation infrastructure in and around Oak Ridge National Laboratory.” (Billy Mitchell, 03:41).
  • Scope: Specialized computing equipment, cooling, energy transmission, storage, and more.

• Preferred Applicants

  • Focus on experienced private sector companies, data center operators, or energy infrastructure developers, and potential consortia/partnerships.
  • “Other applicants given top consideration...proven track record in the design, build and operation of large scale data center facilities...” (Billy Mitchell, 04:07).

• National Imperative Tied to AI Action Plan

  • This initiative follows the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan, emphasizing rapid expansion of AI, data center capacity, and streamlining for energy projects.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Provider Directory Contracts:

  “The four separate contracts made public Sept. 30 award $1 to each company and are set to expire Nov. 13, two sources familiar with the efforts told FedScoop.”
  (Billy Mitchell, 00:57)

• On Palantir’s Broader Government Role:

  “Palantir has long held contracts with the Pentagon, but has expanded in recent years to civilian agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
  (Billy Mitchell, 02:02)

• On DOE AI Data Center RFP:

  “Oak Ridge is specifically seeking construction of data center facilities with specialized computing equipment, cooling facilities, infrastructure for energy supply, transmission and storage and other related equipment and facilities.”
  (Billy Mitchell, 03:54)

Important Timestamps

• 00:30 – CMS selects Palantir and others for National Provider Directory proof of concept contracts
• 01:40 – CMS’s vision for a nationwide credentialized data hub for providers
• 02:02 – Palantir’s expansion into civilian agencies explained
• 03:17 – Other contractors and lack of public comment
• 03:41 – DOE’s big request for proposals at Oak Ridge National Lab
• 04:07 – Preferred applicant criteria and consortia
• 04:20 – Link to the administration's AI Action Plan and policy context

Takeaways

• CMS is experimenting with Palantir and others to finally create a lasting, digital, and reliable provider directory, reflecting years of policy planning.
• DOE’s AI data center RFP signals major federal investment in infrastructure at the intersection of technology and energy policy, in line with broader national AI goals.
• Palantir’s movement into civilian sectors remains a trend to watch, indicating evolving government procurement priorities for data analytics and integration tools.

For more in-depth government technology news, listeners are encouraged to visit fedscoop.com.