Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Contractor shall perform the following mandatory external quality review activities, and additional mandatory activities if added during the term of the contract: • Validation of state-required performance improvement projects • Validation of state-required performance measures • Review of MCE compliance with state-specified standards for quality program operations The EQRO will also be required to submit an annual technical report to AHS which will be used to guide quality assessment and improvement efforts. The annual report will: • Assess the MCE’s strengths and weaknesses with respect to quality, timeliness, and access to health care services • Provide recommendations for improving quality of programs/services and care furnished by the MCE and • Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Quality Strategy