Built on real CMS experience. Focused on your success in the federal health marketplace.
Smoke Strategic Solutions was founded by a former senior CMS leader with direct responsibility for the Open Payments program—one of the agency’s most complex transparency and data initiatives. That experience isn’t background context. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
Most consultants advise on federal health programs from the outside. We’ve operated from inside HHS and CMS, managing major programs, navigating and overseeing procurement, working across offices and agencies, and understanding firsthand how decisions actually get made. When you work with Smoke Strategic Solutions, you’re not getting research and frameworks. You’re getting judgment built from decades of doing the work.
We give clients an accurate picture of what’s possible — including when the answer is “not yet” or “not this way.” Honest counsel is the only kind worth paying for.
Federal programs leave little room for error. We bring rigor to every deliverable, every recommendation, and every client interaction — because the details are where it gets decided.
We measure our success by yours. Whether the engagement lasts a week or six months, we show up prepared, meet our commitments, and take ownership of outcomes.
An established federal network is only valuable if it’s used on your behalf. We connect clients to the right people, the right intelligence, and the right opportunities at the right time.
Andrew Mack is the Founder and Managing Member of Smoke Strategic Solutions, a consulting firm built on the belief that clarity, integrity, and thoughtful leadership can transform even the most complex federal challenges.
Andrew’s career spans senior roles within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), advisory positions across federal health programs, and leadership in high‑visibility modernization efforts. He is known for his ability to translate policy into practical action—helping organizations understand what needs to be done, why it matters, and how to execute effectively.
Colleagues and clients describe Andrew as a steady, trusted partner who brings structure to ambiguity and calm to complexity. His work is grounded in respect for people, a commitment to public service, and a deep understanding of how federal programs operate in the real world.
Smoke Strategic Solutions reflects Andrew’s philosophy: deliver honest guidance, elevate the mission, and help organizations move forward with confidence.
Robert (Rob) Tagalicod brings more than 25 years of senior federal leadership experience across public health, health IT, enterprise operations, and workforce strategy to Smoke Strategic Solutions
Rob’s career spans senior executive roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he led enterprise modernization, governance, and workforce initiatives impacting thousands of employees and nationwide stakeholders. He is known for translating complex policy, funding, and regulatory environments into practical, scalable solutions, helping organizations improve operational performance while maintaining focus on mission and public impact.
Colleagues and clients describe Rob as a trusted advisor who brings strategic rigor and a collaborative leadership style to high-stakes environments. His work is grounded in deep public-sector experience, technical fluency, and a genuine commitment to service delivery, accountability, and stakeholder trust.
At Smoke Strategic Solutions, Rob helps organizations modernize responsibly, compete effectively, and deliver measurable value to the communities they serve.
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