1-2. RFP Document (26-019V Medical Plan Brokerage Services).pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

Medical Plan Brokerage Services Solicitation # 26-019V

Issued By:

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District

Closing Date:

2:00 PM

May 13, 2026

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUC ISD) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide medical plan brokerage and related support services for the District’s employee medical plan. The firm selected will serve as the District’s Medical Broker of Record.

ADDENDA TO RFP. SCUCISD reserves the right to revise and amend the specifications prior to the date set for the receipt of proposals. Respondents are requested to clarify any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error(s) in the RFP in writing. Revisions or amendments, if any, will be made by issuing an addendum. Every effort will be made to send addenda issued to the parties known to have downloaded a complete copy of the RFP. It is the responsibility of each Contractor, prior to submitting the Proposal, to contact the Purchasing Department to determine if addenda were issued and, if so, to obtain such addenda for attachment to the Proposal. Register online at https://scucisd.bonfirehub.com/ to receive any addenda and submit questions or comments concerning this solicitation.

For Further Information Contact:

SCUCISD Purchasing & Supply Department Attn: Terri Canal, CPPB, CTSBO

1056 Elbel Road, Schertz, TX 78154

PH: 210-945-6223

Email: tcanal@scucisd.org

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Page 2 of 26 Solicitation No. 26-019V, Medical Plan Brokerage Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 2 – SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 3 – EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 4 – GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Call to Action

Through high quality and student-centered learning experiences, students will leave SCUC confident, empowered, and prepared with the skills to pursue their individual passions.

Values

Leadership, Character, Commitment, Service, Learning

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SECTION 1 - INSTRUCTIONS

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: To be considered, the proposal must be prepared in the manner and detail specified in this proposal.

a. Proposals should be prepared in such a way as to provide a straightforward, concise delineation of capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFP. Extensive binding, colored displays, promotional materials, etc., are not necessary or desired. Emphasis should be concentrated on conformance and clarity of content.

b. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING / PROPOSAL GUARANTEE: Not Applicable

c. SUBMITTAL DEADLINE: Bids/Proposals will be received electronically via our Euna Bonfire bidding platform at https://scucisd.bonfirehub.com/ until May 13, 2026, 2:00 PM, local time.

d. Submissions that are sent via facsimile or e-mail will not be considered.

e. Proposal submissions received late, unsigned, or in locations other than as stated in this solicitation will be returned without consideration.

f. The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District will not be bound to accept the lowest or any Proposal and reserves the right to accept or reject in whole or in part, any and all Proposals, to negotiate portions thereof, and to waive any minor informality.

g. All costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the RFP response shall be borne solely by the Vendor. Where Vendors may be required to perform a presentation, give demonstrations, provide samples and/or technical literature, or participate in any interview process as related to this solicitation, all costs shall be borne by the Vendor.

h. Any Proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposal will become irrevocable upon the closing time and remain open for acceptance for ninety (90) days from the closing date whether or not another RFP has been accepted.

i. SCUCISD is part of a multi-member purchasing alliance. Please see General Terms and Conditions – Central Texas Purchasing Alliance (CTPA) Adoption Clause for additional information.

j. SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSAL shall be construed to mean that the Vendor agrees to carry out all the conditions set forth in this document. Any proposed variation from the specifications, terms and conditions shall be clearly identified. Please provide details of any non-compliance with stated conditions on the deviation summary section provided on the Exceptions form Attachment D. If no changes are indicated, the District shall expect to receive the service(s) exactly as specified.

k. FORM OF CONTRACT: A Vendor's signature on the response to this RFP and the district's acceptance of that Proposal should constitute an adequate set of terms and conditions for the performance of the required services. However, if a vendor expects the District to sign a separate service agreement, a copy of that document must be provided along with RFP response for evaluation.

l. The Solicitation Forms provided must be used. Failure to follow these instructions may cause a Proposal to be determined as non-responsive and the Proposal rejected. The above information must be clear and concise.

m. The District reserves the right to select any offer it deems the best value, regardless of price.

2. RFP CLARIFICATION: Questions regarding this RFP should be submitted via https://scucisd.bonfirehub.com/. Answers citing the question will be distributed simultaneously to all known prospective offerors through Euna Bonfire. Oral answers provided by SCUCISD or its agents should not be binding. No modification or amendment to this Request for Proposal shall be valid unless it is set forth in writing -- via a signed addendum or amendment from the District Purchasing Office.

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DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing via Euna Bonfire at https://scucisd.bonfirehub.com/ on or before May 4, 2026, 11:00 am.

3. PROPOSER RESPONSIBILITY: We expect you to be thoroughly familiar with all specifications and requirements of this RFP. Your failure or omission to examine any relevant form, article, site or document will not relieve you, as a contractor, from any obligation regarding this RFP. By submitting a Response, you are presumed to concur with all terms, conditions, and specifications of this RFP. Any exception must be clearly defined and referenced in the proper paragraph in this Solicitation. Objections we consider excessive or affecting vital terms may reduce or eliminate your prospects for the award.

4. COMPLETENESS: The proposal shall be completed in all respects as indicated. A Proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains irregularities of any kind.

5. FALSE/MISLEADING STATEMENTS: A proposal that contains false or misleading statements, or which provides references that do not support an attribute or capability of the proposed system or service may be rejected. If, in the opinion of the District, such information was intended to mislead the District in its evaluation of the Proposal and the attribute, condition, or capability as a requirement of the RFP, the Proposal shall be rejected.

6. PROPOSAL SIGNATURE: The Proposal must be signed by an individual who is authorized to bind the responding firm contractually. The signature should indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. Firms who sign their contracts with the name of the firm must provide the name of the corporate officer for signature validation by the District. An unsigned Proposal shall be rejected.

7. AWARD: SCUCISD will be awarded to the contractor(s) who presents the greatest value, in our view, to SCUCISD from the standpoint of suitability to purpose, quality, service, previous experience, price, ability to deliver, or for any other reason deemed by the District to be in the best interest of SCUCISD. Thus, the result will not be determined by price alone but by the applicable criteria as listed under EVALUATION CRITERIA.

8. PRECEDENCE: In the event of contradictions or conflicts between the provisions of the documents comprising the Contract, they will be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

1) the provisions of the Contract (as it may be amended);

2) the provisions of the RFP (as it may be supplemented).

3) the provisions of the Contractors Response (as it may be clarified);

9. CONTRACT PERIOD: The District anticipates entering into an agreement for an initial term of two (2) years, beginning on or about June 1, 2026, and continuing through December 31, 2027, with up to three (3) one-year renewal options. Such extension(s) will be at the discretion of the District, subject to the same terms, conditions, favorable prices, and mutual agreement between the Contractor and the District with no minimum guaranteed amount.

10. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Following is a list of projected dates/times with respect to this RFP.

RFP Release Date April 22, 2026

Final Questions Accepted May 4, 2026, 11:00 am

Final Addenda Issued, if applicable May 6, 2026

Proposals Due May 13, 2026, 2:00 pm

Evaluations May 13-15, 2026 Finalist Interviews (if any) May 18, 2026 Selection / Notice of Intent May 19, 2026 Tentative Board Approval May 21, 2026 Contract Execution / Transition Kickoff May 22, 2026

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SECTION 2 - SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

OVERVIEW

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (“SCUC ISD” or “the District”) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide medical plan brokerage and related support services for the District’s employee medical plan. The firm selected will serve as the District’s Medical Broker of Record.

The District has engaged Masonry Health to serve as its strategic healthcare architect and advisor for the employee medical plan. Accordingly, the selected Broker will be expected to work in close coordination with the District and Masonry Health in support of the District’s medical plan strategy, procurement and market engagement efforts, carrier and vendor negotiations, implementation activities, compliance coordination, and ongoing service model.

The District is not seeking a broker to independently define or direct the overall medical plan strategy. Rather, SCUC ISD seeks a broker that is transparent, execution-oriented, collaborative, market-competent, and capable of supporting and operating within a disciplined strategic framework established by the District in partnership with Masonry Health.

For the 2026 plan year, the District views this engagement as a bridge-year assignment. During this period, the selected Broker will be expected to effectively manage the current medical plan through year-end while supporting a limited set of cost-containment initiatives, point solutions, carve-outs, or alternative delivery or sourcing channels that may operate alongside, or outside of, incumbent arrangements. The District currently anticipates that the 2027 plan year may involve a more substantial redesign or restructuring of the medical plan, and the selected Broker must be capable of supporting both near-term execution and longer-term transition planning.

Scope Limitation: The scope of this solicitation is limited to the District’s employee medical plan and related medical-plan infrastructure. Dental, vision, disability, life, voluntary, and other ancillary coverages are not included in this RFP and are addressed through separate arrangements.

SOLICITATION OBJECTIVES

The District seeks a brokerage partner capable of:

Effectively supporting the District’s medical plan strategy as established by the District, in collaboration with

Masonry Health.

Providing strong, market-facing brokerage, negotiation, and carrier management capabilities.

Supporting transparent procurement, renewal, and vendor evaluation processes.

Improving alignment and coordination across medical, pharmacy, stop-loss, and related medical-plan vendors.

Supporting disciplined, accountable implementation of District-approved strategic initiatives.

Delivering responsive day-to-day service and timely issue resolution.

Serving as the District’s lead medical-plan compliance coordination partner.

Operating successfully within a shared advisory model without territorial behavior or control over information.

Actively managing and optimizing the incumbent Aetna medical and ESI pharmacy arrangements through

December 31, 2026.

Supporting targeted 2026 cost-containment strategies, including strategies that may direct services or spend outside incumbent arrangements when directed by the District.

Preserving continuity, data access, compliance, employee experience, and transition readiness during the

2026 bridge year.

Supporting orderly wind-down, claims runout, and transition planning for incumbent arrangements in preparation for the 2027 plan year.

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A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. District Demographics

a. SCUCISD serves the cities of Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City, and rural areas of northeast Bexar

County as well as southwest Guadalupe County with its boundaries extending over a 73 square mile area.

b. SCUCISD provides instruction to approximately 14,800 students in a predominately rooftop community. The District currently has 17 campuses, which include three (3) high schools, one (1) alternative education center, two (2) junior high schools, three (3) intermediate schools, and eight (8) elementary schools.

c. SCUCISD is one of the largest employers in Guadalupe County, Texas with approximately 1,925 employees.

2. District Background

SCUC ISD is a Texas independent school district seeking an experienced brokerage partner to support disciplined, transparent, and fiscally responsible management of its employee medical plan. The District operates across multiple campuses and administrative and support locations and requires a broker capable of coordinating effectively with finance, human resources, Masonry Health, vendors, and other stakeholders within a distributed public-sector environment.

Current Medical Plan Overview

Program Element Current Information

Group medical plan funding arrangement Self-funded

Medical carrier and/or third-party administrator Aetna

Pharmacy benefit arrangement Express Scripts (ESI)

Stop-loss arrangement Sun Life

Primary / Urgent Care / Emotional Wellness arrangement Next Level Care

Current plan year / renewal cycle January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

Approximate number of medical-plan-eligible employees 1,000

Approximate number of enrolled employees and covered lives 1,250

3. District Priorities and Planning Horizon

The District’s priorities include improving long-term medical plan performance, strengthening vendor accountability, increasing transparency, enhancing employee affordability, and aligning broker services with the District’s broader strategic objectives.

For the 2026 plan year, the District anticipates maintaining its current medical plan structure as a bridge year while actively evaluating and potentially implementing targeted add-on solutions, point solutions, carve-outs, and alternative care channels intended to improve performance and control costs during the plan year. The selected broker will be expected to manage and optimize the incumbent Aetna medical and ESI pharmacy relationships through December 31, 2026, while also supporting District-approved strategies that may direct services or spend outside of those arrangements, in coordination with Masonry Health.

Looking ahead, the District anticipates that the 2027 plan year, effective January 1, 2027, may involve a more comprehensive redesign or restructuring of the medical plan.

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4. Existing Advisory Structure, Role Delineation, and Decision Rights

The District retains Masonry Health as its strategic healthcare advisor for the employee medical plan and may engage actuaries or other specialized consultants as needed. Masonry Health supports the District with strategic planning, claims and financial analysis, vendor and pharmacy strategy, stop-loss strategy, cost-containment initiatives, governance and reporting, implementation planning, and related recommendations.

The selected firm will serve as the District’s Medical Broker of Record and primary brokerage partner. The broker is expected to collaborate professionally and transparently with both the District and Masonry

Health. All final decisions regarding the medical plan rest solely with the District.

5. Role Matrix

Workstream District / Masonry Health Role Selected Broker Role

Strategy architecture and 2027 redesign

District sets direction;

Masonry Health leads strategic development and recommendation support.

Support diligence, provide market intelligence, model execution implications, and help operationalize approved direction.

Stop-loss marketing and placement

District and Masonry Health set parameters and review options.

Lead market engagement, underwriting submissions, quote gathering, negotiation, and recommendation support.

TPA / PBM / point solution procurement

District sets decision criteria with Masonry Health support;

other advisors may assist as directed.

Provide collaborative market support, proposal collection, negotiation assistance, and implementation coordination.

Incumbent Aetna / ESI bridge-year management

District and Masonry Health define bridge-year priorities, carve-out direction, and sequencing.

Manage incumbent relationships, negotiate bridge-year accommodations, and support cost-containment execution through year-end 2026.

Compliance coordination

District retains legal responsibility; Masonry Health may assist with tracking and workstream coordination.

Lead compliance coordination, maintain annual calendar and workplan, coordinate vendors, and escalate issues promptly.

Day-to-day service and escalations

District identifies priorities and participates in escalations as needed.

Take the lead on day-to-day service issues and escalations with medical plan vendors, maintain written action log, coordinate vendor follow-through, and keep the District and Masonry Health informed as needed.

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6. Decision Rights and Working Assumptions

The following decision rights and working assumptions apply to this Solicitation and the services provided by the selected Medical Broker:

Masonry Health is not the broker of record.

The selected broker is not being engaged as the District’s sole strategic advisor for the employee medical plan.

The District may receive strategic recommendations, financial analysis, and implementation guidance directly from Masonry Health.

The broker may be asked to support, market, negotiate, or implement strategies developed by the

District and Masonry Health.

The broker’s contractual obligations run solely to the District. Masonry Health may participate in working sessions and may request information on the District’s behalf when expressly authorized by the District.

In the event of differing or conflicting recommendations among advisors or vendors, the District’s written direction shall govern.

The broker shall not assert exclusive control over strategic recommendations, vendor evaluation, reporting, underwriting access, communications necessary for District decision-making, market access, or data.

B. Minimum Qualifications

Proposers (specifically, the legal business entity that will be contractually bound under any resulting agreement with the District) must meet all of the following minimum qualifications. Proposers that do not meet these mandatory requirements will be deemed non-responsible and will be rejected without further evaluation.

1. Experience Requirements

The Proposer and the key personnel proposed to be assigned to the District must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience providing medical plan brokerage services.

The Proposer and its key personnel must have provided comparable medical plan brokerage services to at least five (5) K-12 public school district clients of similar size and complexity.

2. Additional Mandatory Qualifications

At a minimum, the Proposer must also provide and/or demonstrate the following:

Appropriate licensure and authority to provide brokerage services in the State of Texas.

Demonstrated experience serving as Broker of Record for employer-sponsored medical plans.

Experience supporting self-funded medical plans, to an extent applicable to the District’s plan structure.

Experience supporting PBM, stop-loss, and related medical-plan negotiations, renewals, and ongoing vendor management.

Experience serving public-sector employers, including school districts or other governmental entities.

Demonstrated experience managing incumbent carrier and/or PBM relationships during bridge-year periods, including carve-outs, alternative channels, or targeted cost-containment initiatives.

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Capability to coordinate compliance activities for a self-funded, non-federal governmental group health plan.

Experience operating effectively in a multi-advisor or consultant-supported environment.

Strong client references demonstrate transparency, execution discipline, responsiveness, and professionalism.

C. Preferred Qualifications

Proposers may receive a higher evaluation score if they demonstrate the following preferred qualifications.

These qualifications are not mandatory; however, demonstrated experience in these areas may enhance the Proposer’s overall evaluation.

1. The Proposer and key personnel proposed to be assigned to the District have five (5) or more years of experience providing Staff Development and Professional Learning services.

2. The Proposer and key personnel have provided similar services to a minimum of ten (10) comparable K-12 public school districts.

D. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected broker shall provide services related solely to the District’s employee medical plan and related medical-plan infrastructure.

1. Broker of Record and Market Access Services

The selected broker will be expected to:

Serve as Broker of Record for the District’s employee medical plan.

Provide market access to medical, pharmacy, stop-loss, and related medical-plan vendors as requested by the District.

Support annual renewals and market checks in alignment with the District’s strategic direction.

Support broker-led stop-loss placement and renewal activities on behalf of the District, in coordination with the District and Masonry Health.

Facilitate and support communications with carriers, underwriters, stop-loss markets, PBMs, TPAs, and other medical-plan vendors, recognizing that the District, Masonry Health, and other specialized advisors may also participate in or lead certain communications as appropriate.

Assist the District in obtaining proposals, quotes, pricing, and underwriting terms from applicable vendors and markets.

2. Medical, Pharmacy, and Stop-Loss Marketing Support

The selected broker will be expected to:

Lead stop-loss marketing activities on behalf of the District, including market engagement, coordination of underwriting submissions, solicitation of quotes, and comparison of terms.

Participate collaboratively, as directed by the District, in the marketing, evaluation, and procurement of TPAs, PBMs, point solutions, and other medical-plan-related services.

Prepare, coordinate, and manage underwriting submissions across applicable markets.

Gather, organize, and present proposals in a transparent, objective, and decision-useful format.

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Support clear comparison of market options, pricing structures, coverage terms, and contractual provisions.

Operate within strategic parameters and assumptions established by the District, in coordination with Masonry Health.

Refrain from filtering, limiting, or withholding market options, underwriting assumptions, submissions, or materials that are material to District decision-making.

3. Underwriting and Renewal Execution

The selected broker will be expected to:

Coordinate the annual underwriting and renewal process, including collaboration with any actuary or specialized advisor engaged by the District.

Develop and manage renewal and marketing timelines, milestones, and deliverables.

Assist with collecting, validating, and transmitting required data to carriers, stop-loss markets, PBMs, TPAs, and other vendors.

Support actuarial review, data validation, financial modeling, and related analytic work performed by

District-retained advisors.

Facilitate carrier and market meetings, finalist discussions, follow-up inquiries, and underwriting communications.

Present renewal results and alternative market options in a clear, decision-ready format

Support option comparisons consistent with the District’s strategic direction and 2026 bridge-year priorities.

4. Incumbent Aetna / ESI Bridge-Year Management and 2026 Cost-Containment Execution

The selected broker will be expected to:

Actively manage the incumbent Aetna medical and ESI pharmacy arrangements through

December 31, 2026.

Review current carrier, PBM, and administrative contracts to identify rights, limitations, notice requirements, data-access provisions, file-feed requirements, implementation constraints, and carve-out opportunities.

Negotiate with Aetna, ESI, and related vendors to support District-directed point solutions, direct contracts, alternative payment arrangements, specialty sourcing strategies, and other 2026 cost-containment initiatives.

Support rerouting of selected services, episodes, sites of care, or pharmacy channels outside incumbent arrangements as directed by the District and Masonry Health.

Monitor incumbent vendor performance, responsiveness, and cooperation with approved initiatives.

Support runout planning, data extraction, file transfers, employee communications, disruption mitigation, and transition readiness for the 2027 plan year.

5. Contracting and Negotiation Support

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The selected broker will be expected to:

Support negotiation of carrier, PBM, stop-loss, and other medical-plan-related vendor agreements.

Assist with negotiation of pricing, fees, performance guarantees, service standards, implementation commitments, renewal terms, and termination or transition provisions.

Identify problematic contract terms, hidden costs, operational risks, and misaligned incentives.

Coordinate negotiations with the District, Masonry Health, legal counsel, and vendors, as appropriate.

6. Implementation and Transition Support

The selected broker will be expected to:

Support transition from any incumbent broker or vendors, if applicable.

Develop and manage implementation workplans, timelines, deliverables, and escalation paths.

Coordinate meetings, responsibilities, and vendor accountability during implementation.

Track progress and proactively identify risks, delays, or operational issues.

Support employee communications and open enrollment implementation related to the medical plan, in coordination with the District and the ancillary broker (which serves as the overall open enrollment lead).

Support evaluation, implementation, and operational oversight of District-approved point solutions and vendor enhancements during the 2026 plan year and as part of the District’s broader 2027 plan strategy.

Support runout planning, data transitions, and orderly wind-down of incumbent arrangements.

Support planning, sequencing, and market coordination for a potential January 1, 2027, medical plan redesign.

Resolve or escalate operational issues promptly.

7. Ongoing Account Management, Service, and Action Log

The selected broker will be expected to:

Provide ongoing account management for the medical plan.

Lead day-to-day service issue resolution with Aetna, ESI, stop-loss, Next Level Care, and related vendors, while keeping the District and Masonry Health informed.

Support the Next Level Care relationship, including coordination, alignment, and issue resolution.

Support eligibility, billing, enrollment, and vendor service escalations.

Maintain a renewal and stewardship calendar.

Participate in regular meetings with the District and Masonry Health.

Maintain a written action log with owners, due dates, status updates, and follow-up items, and provide the log regularly and after key meetings as requested.

Ensure timely follow-through on District requests and agreed action items.

At a minimum, provide quarterly stewardship meetings, an annual renewal timeline, and a written annual compliance calendar.

8. Reporting, Data Transparency, and Operational Support

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The selected broker will be expected to:

Provide standard broker reporting and market summaries.

Support collection and review of renewal, underwriting, and vendor performance data.

Support preparation of materials for District leadership and Board review, as requested.

Participate in stewardship meetings and performance reviews.

Support the District’s broader medical-plan governance and reporting framework.

Share quotes, underwriting submissions, vendor communications, and other material information with the District and Masonry Health in a timely manner.

Maintain a transparent documentation record supporting District decision-making.

9. Medical-Plan Compliance Coordination

The selected broker will serve as the District’s lead medical-plan compliance coordination partner, responsible for proactive monitoring, planning, and coordination of compliance obligations.

The broker will be expected to:

Prepare and maintain a written annual compliance calendar and compliance action plan.

Coordinate required filings, notices, disclosures, and reporting where customarily performed by a broker or through broker-managed vendors.

Coordinate and monitor compliance actions handled by third parties to ensure timely completion.

Work collaboratively with District leadership, Masonry Health, TPAs, payroll and reporting vendors, COBRA administrators, and legal counsel, as appropriate.

The broker’s role is compliance coordination and administrative support. The broker will not serve as legal counsel or as the District’s sole compliance fiduciary. Final legal responsibility remains with the District.

Compliance coordination may include, without limitation:

HIPAA privacy and security coordination

Public-sector COBRA coordination

ACA employer reporting and disclosures, as applicable

Federal market reform requirements

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) coordination

Plan notices, deadlines, and vendor document alignment

Escalation of compliance issues requiring District or legal review

10. Services Excluded from This Solicitation

The following services are outside the scope of this solicitation and are managed separately by the

District:

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

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Disability insurance

Voluntary benefits

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)

Cancer, critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, and other supplemental products

Retirement products

Any other ancillary or non-medical lines of coverage

Proposers should confine their responses and proposed services to the medical plan scope described in this solicitation.

11. Required Alignment with Masonry Health and Other District Advisors

A core requirement of this solicitation is the selected broker’s demonstrated ability and willingness to operate effectively within a shared advisory model that includes Masonry Health and any other specialized advisors retained by the District.

The selected broker must demonstrate:

Willingness to collaborate constructively with the District’s independent strategic healthcare advisor.

Willingness to share quotes, proposals, underwriting materials, assumptions, vendor communications, and other material information in a timely and transparent manner.

Willingness to operate in a governance model in which strategy may be led by the District and

Masonry Health.

Willingness to support and implement strategies that were not originated by the broker.

Ability to support nontraditional, innovative, or market-disruptive strategies when directed by the

District.

Ability to work effectively in a multi-party advisory environment without attempting to control communications, recommendations, market access, or information flow.

A professional, collaborative approach to resolving differences of opinion within a shared advisory structure.

Resistance to collaboration, lack of transparency, withholding of information, or attempts to marginalize the District’s strategic advisor may be considered negative factors in proposal evaluation and, where appropriate, grounds for disqualification.

12. Strategic Capabilities the District Expects the Broker to Support

Although the broker is not being retained as the District’s sole strategic advisor, the District expects the selected broker to possess sufficient technical expertise and market capability to support sophisticated medical-plan strategies and implementation. The District also expects support for existing strategic vendor relationships that are part of the current and future medical-plan design, including Next Level

Care.

Respondents should describe relevant experience supporting initiatives such as:

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Self-funded medical plan administration and oversight.

PBM procurement, contracting, and strategic support.

Specialty pharmacy management strategies.

Stop-loss marketing, placement, and optimization.

Direct contracting and alternative provider arrangements.

Network strategy development and optimization.

Centers of excellence programs.

Performance guarantee negotiation and monitoring.

Transparency and data-access initiatives.

Medical-plan-related vendor carve-outs.

Implementation of client-directed or advisor-directed strategic changes.

Employee affordability initiatives related to medical coverage.

Support and integration of care-delivery partners such as Next Level Care, including coordination, performance monitoring, and alignment with 2026 bridge-year and 2027 strategies.

High-performance provider contracting and value-based provider arrangements.

Patient assistance program strategy and integration with pharmacy plan design.

International or alternative drug sourcing strategies for eligible prescriptions.

Evaluation of 340B pharmacy and contract pharmacy channels.

Reference-based pricing, repricing, and alternative reimbursement methodologies.

Assessment of operational, legal, employee-relations, and disruption risks associated with advanced cost-containment strategies.

Experience implementing cost-containment strategies during a bridge year in which incumbent carrier and/or PBM contracts remained in place.

Experience negotiating with Aetna, ESI, or similar national carrier or PBM incumbents during wind-down, carve-out, or alternative-channel implementation periods.

13. Performance Expectations

The selected broker will be expected to demonstrate a high standard of professional execution, organized follow-through, and collaborative conduct in support of the District’s objectives. Performance expectations are principle-based and are intended to reinforce the District’s operating model rather than impose rigid service-level metrics.

The broker will be expected to demonstrate:

Timely, accurate execution of brokerage, underwriting, placement, implementation, and ongoing service responsibilities.

Strong renewal, underwriting, and market-execution support that is clear, transparent, and decision-ready.

Effective coordination with carriers and vendors, including disciplined management of incumbent arrangements during the 2026 bridge year.

Proactive and organized compliance coordination, including maintenance of a written annual compliance calendar and compliance workplan.

Maintenance of a written action log with clearly identified owners, due dates, status updates, and documented follow-through on District requests and agreed action items.

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Responsiveness to District and Masonry Health requests, with timely escalation of issues requiring

District direction.

Professional collaboration, transparency, and willingness to support District-directed strategies, including strategies not originated by the broker.

Support for the District’s long-term medical-plan objectives, including successful 2026 bridge-year execution and readiness for a potential 2027 transition.

Broker performance may be evaluated not only on market access and service responsiveness, but also on execution quality, action-log discipline, compliance coordination, transparency, and alignment with the District’s strategic direction and shared advisory model with Masonry Health.

14. Transition Expectations

a. The selected broker should be prepared to support near-term 2026 bridge-year management of incumbent arrangements, including contracting, service, compliance, carve-out implementation, runout planning, and a potentially restructured 2027 plan year.

b. The District may require the selected broker to cooperate in transition both at contract commencement and at contract end, including transfer of information, documentation, action logs, and vendor materials.

15. Compensation, Cost Proposal, Conflict Disclosure, and Audit Expectations

The District places significant value on transparency, alignment of incentives, and a pricing structure that is clear, comparable, and appropriate for the defined scope of this engagement.

a. Required Cost Proposal

Respondents shall submit a fixed annual fee proposal for the core services contemplated by this RFP. The fixed annual fee should cover the respondent’s performance of the base scope of services described in this RFP, including brokerage, bridge-year incumbent management, stop-loss marketing and placement support, compliance coordination, day-to-day service support, reporting, implementation support, and 2027 transition planning as applicable to the scope.

The Respondent’s fixed annual fee proposal shall be presented as the respondent’s primary pricing response for evaluation purposes.

b. Optional and Alternative Pricing

In addition to the required fixed annual fee proposal, respondents may separately identify:

optional services that may be beneficial to the District additional project-based services outside the base scope alternative fee structures or pricing approaches the respondent believes may be advantageous to the District

Any such optional services, additional fees, or alternative pricing approaches must be presented separately from the required fixed annual fee proposal and must be clearly labeled as optional or alternative. Optional or alternative pricing shall not replace the required fixed annual fee proposal.

c. Compensation Disclosure

Respondents must fully disclose all forms of compensation, direct or indirect, that may be associated with the District’s medical plan, including but not limited to:

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Page 16 of 26 consulting fees brokerage fees commissions overrides contingencies revenue-sharing carrier incentives stop-loss compensation PBM-related compensation compensation from point solutions, navigation vendors, or other medical-plan-related service providers compensation received by affiliates or subcontractors

Respondents shall also describe:

whether the firm will agree to full compensation transparency throughout the relationship whether the firm will disclose compensation changes annually how the firm manages conflicts of interest when recommending vendors that compensate the firm whether compensation arrangements would in any way limit the firm’s collaboration with Masonry

Health or the District

d. Audit Expectations: The District expects the resulting agreement to include disclosure update requirements and reasonable audit rights with respect to compensation and conflict disclosures.

e. Conflict Disclosure: The District expects the resulting agreement to include disclosure update requirements and reasonable audit rights with respect to compensation and conflicts disclosures.

END OF SECTION

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SECTION 3 - EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. EVALUATION: Proposals will be evaluated at the sole and absolute discretion of the District and its designated evaluation committee. The District reserves the right to consider qualitative factors, clarifications, interviews, references, and any other information deemed relevant to the selection process.

Proposals will be evaluated and scored based on the following weighted criteria:

Illustrative Evaluation Criterion Weight

Alignment with District operating model and Masonry Health collaboration 15%

Relevant medical brokerage experience and execution capability 15%

Transparency, compensation disclosure, and conflict management 15%

Experience with self-funded medical, PBM, stop-loss, and compliance coordination 10%

Account team and service model 10%

Implementation and transition capability, including support for 2026-point solutions, bridge-year incumbent management, and 2027 transition planning

15%

Cost proposal 20%

The District may consider undisclosed compensation, incomplete conflict disclosures, resistance to transparency, or resistance to collaboration with Masonry Health as negative evaluation factors and, where appropriate, as grounds for disqualification.

a. Each proposal submitted in response to this RFP shall focus on the above criteria. The Evaluation shall also consider those factors listed in TEC 44.031 (b) listed elsewhere in this solicitation. Proposals will be evaluated equally and fairly; no preference will be given to any Proposer based solely on previous experience with the District or to an incumbent thereof. The District reserves the right to make additional inquiries and may request the submission of additional information.

2. GENERAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS:

a. PROPOSAL FORMAT: Each proposal should be prepared simply and economically. Responses shall be in the same order as the requirements listed below and in the following section.

b. PROPOSAL CONTENT: The Proposer must include the following items, or the proposal may be deemed non-responsive and rejected without any further evaluation (unless otherwise indicated herein):

1) All forms contained or listed in this RFP, fully completed:

2) A complete response to each of the items in the next section, which are specific to the evaluation criteria. (See next section for more detail.)

3. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO EVALUATION CRITERIA: Submit a complete response to each of the following items. List them in the order below, following your submission to the above:

a. Vendor Questionnaire

b. Vendor Response

c. Cost Proposal

d. Attachment A - Proposal Form

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e. Attachment B - Exceptions to this Solicitation

f. Attachment C - Felony Conviction Notice

g. Attachment D - Conflict of Interest Form CIQ

h. Vendor W9

4. EXCEPTIONS: The proposer shall clearly identify any proposed deviations from the language contained herein. Each exception must be clearly defined and referenced in the proper paragraph in this Solicitation.

The exception shall include, at a minimum, the Proposer's proposed substitute language and opinion as to why the suggested substitution will provide equivalent or better service and performance. If no exceptions are noted in the Proposer's proposal, the District will assume complete conformance with this specification and the successful Proposer will be required to perform accordingly. Proposals not meeting all requirements may be rejected. Proposals taking exception to any language in the General Terms and Conditions may be rejected as nonresponsive.

5. SHORTLISTING, FINALIST INTERVIEWS, AND SCENARIO EXERCISES

The District reserves the right to shortlist Proposers based on evaluation of written proposals submitted in response to this Solicitation. At the District’s discretion, shortlisted Proposers may be invited to participate in interviews, oral presentations, demonstrations, scenario exercises, or other evaluation activities.

If interviews or presentations are required, the District will notify each shortlisted Proposer accordingly. These sessions are intended to provide Proposers with an opportunity to:

Respond to questions from the District’s evaluation team; and

Clarify, expand upon, or demonstrate aspects of their proposal through discussion, presentation, or illustrative examples.

The District will not reimburse any costs incurred by Proposers in connection with interviews, presentations, demonstrations, or any other finalist-stage activities.

Possible Finalist Evaluation Scenario Topics

As part of any finalist evaluation, the District may request that Proposers address one or more of the following topics:

How the broker would collaborate with Masonry Health and District leadership within a shared advisory model?

How the broker would support and execute strategies or market approaches developed by another advisor?

How the broker would ensure transparency throughout negotiations, underwriting, and vendor communications?

How the broker would support medical-plan compliance coordination without overstating legal responsibility or fiduciary role?

How the broker would professionally manage disagreement or differing viewpoints among advisors or vendors?

How the broker would support diligence, market engagement, implementation planning, employee communication, and vendor coordination for a potential 2027 medical plan redesign, which may include repricing, high-performance provider contracting, alternative prescription drug sourcing, and selected point solutions?

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Page 19 of 26

How the broker would manage incumbent Aetna medical and ESI pharmacy arrangements through the 2026 plan year while supporting District-directed carve-outs, alternative service channels, or targeted cost-containment initiatives?

The District may consider Respondents’ demonstrated approach to collaboration, transparency, execution discipline, and governance alignment as part of the final selection determination.

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SECTION 4 - GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. BILLING AND PAYMENT: District standard terms will be Net 30 days; however, Proposers may offer a prompt payment discount in their original Proposal response such as 2% / 10 days - Net 30. Payment will be made, in arrears, in accordance with Texas Prompt Payment Act, Texas Gov’t Code 2251.

2. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS: Proposal evaluation will be done based on the information provided by the

Offeror. It is very important that the Offeror provide all required information as part of their Proposal. Failure to provide necessary information and documentation could result in the Proposal being rejected.

3. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The following represents examples of evaluation criteria that may, at the sole discretion of SCUC ISD and its designees, be considered when evaluating responses to a solicitation. These criteria are provided to inform prospective vendors of the types of factors that could be reviewed when determining the best overall value for the District. However, it is important to note that the specific evaluation criteria and their respective weights for each solicitation will be explicitly outlined within the individual solicitation document.

(1) the purchase price;

(2) the reputation of the vendor and of the vendor's goods or services;

(3) the quality of the vendor's goods or services;

(4) the extent to which the goods or services meet the District's needs;

(5) the total long-term cost to the District to acquire the vendor's goods or services; [and]

(6) for a contract for goods and services, other than goods and services related to telecommunications and information services, building construction and maintenance, or instructional materials, whether the vendor or the vendor's ultimate parent company or majority owner:

(a) has its principal place of business in this state; or

(b) employs at least 500 persons in this state; and

(7) any other relevant factor specifically listed in the request for bids or proposals.

4. APPLICABILITY: These conditions are applicable and form a part of the contract documents in each supply and/or service contract and are a part of the terms of each purchase order for items of equipment and/or service included in the specifications and solicitation forms issued herewith. Any resulting contract shall include this solicitation, and Proposal received.

5. PROPOSAL RESPONSE: Unless otherwise specified, Offerors are required to submit an executed original of the Proposal. The proposal response must contain:

a. Executive Summary

b. Cover Letter

c. Signed; Proposal Form

d. Vendor Questionnaire

e. Vendor Response

Relevant Experience

Assigned Team Response to Scope

Alignment Requirement

Bridge-Year Incumbent Management

Compliance Coordination

Sample Annual Compliance Calendar & Workplan

Data-Sharing and Transparency Strategy Support

Implementation Methodology

Scope Confirmation

f. References and Case Studies

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g. Compensation, Conflict Disclosure, and Audit Expectations

h. Felony Conviction Notice Form

i. Conflict of Interest Form. Local Government Code Chapter 176 imposes disclosure/reporting obligations on vendors. Please complete and return Conflict of Interest Questionnaire Form CIQ.

j. Current, Signed W-9

k. Any additional documents required by the Solicitation.

6. THOSE WHO DO NOT PROPOSE are requested to notify the SCUCISD Purchasing Department in writing if they wish to receive future Proposals. Failure to do so may result in their being deleted from our prospective Bidders list.

7. DISCLOSURES: By signing this Proposal, a Vendor affirms that he/she has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor or service to a public servant in connection with the Proposal submitted.

8. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS: Interlocal Agreements with other School Districts through the Central Texas

Purchasing Alliance.

a. Membership. SCUCISD is a member in good standing of the Central Texas Purchasing Alliance (CTPA / txctpa.org), an alliance of over 100 school districts…