Appendix_7.6_Written_Q_and_C_template.pdf

This file is a Written Questions and Comments template appendix prepared by the State of Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration, Division of Benefits Administration, for an RFP seeking Third-Party Administrator (TPA) services for The Tennessee Plan, a self-insured supplemental medical insurance program for Medicare-eligible state retirees. The template is designed to facilitate structured submissions of inquiries and feedback from potential bidders during the RFP process. The document organizes questions into three categories: General Questions (rows 1-10), RFP Questions covering the Introduction through the Score Summary Matrix (rows 11-20), and Contract Questions addressing Section A Scope through HIPAA Business Associate requirements (rows 21-30). This standardized format allows bidders to submit clarifications and comments on specific RFP sections in a consistent manner, with additional rows available for supplementary questions as needed.

The template serves as a quality control mechanism to ensure all bidder inquiries are captured, tracked, and addressed systematically throughout the procurement process. By providing designated sections for different question categories, the template helps the State organize responses and ensure comprehensive coverage of bidder concerns across general qualifications, technical requirements, and contractual obligations. This approach promotes transparency and equal access to information among all potential contractors competing for the TPA contract, which represents a significant opportunity given the plan's current enrollment of approximately 48,059 members as of July 2025 and anticipated annual claims volumes in the tens of millions of dollars. The RFP response deadline is December 10, 2025, with a Notice of Award expected February 26, 2026, and contract implementation scheduled for April through December 2026, with benefits coverage commencing January 1, 2027.