DOH23-046 RFI Final.pdf

Pursuant to 60A-1.042, an agency may request information by issuing a written Request for Information. Agencies may use Requests for Information in circumstances including, but not limited to, determining whether, or not, to competitively procure commodities or contractual services, determining what solicitation process to use for a particular need, or researching general, special, or technical specifications to be included in a solicitation.

State of Florida Department of Health

Request for Information

DOH23-046

Request For Information (RFI) regarding a Health Care Innovation Loan Program

Financial Administrator

I. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

The State of Florida, Department of Health (DOH), Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management is requesting information regarding a Financial Administrator for Health Care Innovation Council Revolving Loan Program. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit information from qualified financial administrator(s) or third-party fiscal administrator(s) (herein also referred to as Respondents) to assist the DOH in identifying key steps and processes required to implement the Health Care Innovation Council's Revolving Loan Program. This would include information, including estimated costs, to be used to establish budgets, processes needing to be defined to review and exercise due diligence with loan applications, and define the scope of work necessary to administer the Loan Program.

The administrator will be responsible for a range of tasks including but not limited to application processing, loan disbursement and monitoring, compliance reporting, financial management, record-keeping, and customer service. Additionally, the administrator will be tasked with developing and maintaining an application portal capable of tracking and providing real-time information on loan applicants and funded projects.

II. BACKGROUND

The Health Care Innovation Council, was established under Section 381.4015 of the Florida Statutes, during the 2024 legislative session, with the focus of harnessing innovation and creativity within the health care sector to address challenges and improve the delivery of healthcare services in Florida. The Council is responsible for exploring and promoting innovative technologies, workforce pathways, and service delivery models that enhance the quality of care while reducing costs for consumers.

The Revolving Loan Program, a key initiative of the Council, will provide financial assistance to entities seeking to implement innovative solutions within the State’s health care system. Funding will be allocated for projects that demonstrate potential for improving efficiency, enhancing patient outcomes, increasing access to care, and delivering cost savings without compromising quality.

III. GOALS

The primary goal of this RFI is to identify services available from qualified financial administrator(s) or third-party fiscal administrator(s) that would support the management of the Revolving Loan Program on behalf of the Department of Health. Responses should demonstrate how Respondents would:

1. Establish a process for accepting and reviewing loan applications, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

2. Implement financial management practices to track disbursements, monitor loan performance, and generate compliance reports.

3. Provide customer service to loan applicants, offering guidance and support throughout the application and funding process.

4. Develop and maintain an application portal that facilitates seamless interaction between applicants and the administrator, allowing for real-time tracking of application status and project progress.

5. Estimate the cost and time frame required to implement and administer the Revolving Loan Program, enabling the Department to budget effectively and initiate the application process in a timely manner.

Information provided should include cost estimates for administering the Revolving Loan Program, including any upfront expenses, ongoing operational costs, and administrative fees. Additionally, Respondents should provide projected time frames for key milestones such as application processing, loan disbursement, monitoring, and reporting.

Furthermore, Respondents should outline their experience and qualifications in managing similar programs, as well as any innovative approaches or technologies they intend to utilize to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness.

IV. OBJECTIVES

The objective of this RFI is to collect sufficient information from qualified financial administrator(s) or third-party fiscal administrator(s) to assist DOH with establishing a scope and estimated budget that would include the following services (at a minimum):

1. Comprehensive Financial Management: A key objective is to establish comprehensive financial management practices to oversee the disbursement and monitoring of loan funds. The administrator will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all financial transactions, tracking loan performance, and generating regular compliance reports. Additionally, the administrator should implement robust internal controls to safeguard program funds mitigate financial risks and ensure security of applicant information.

2. Streamlined Application Process: Developing and implementing a streamlined application process for the Revolving Loan Program. This process should be designed to efficiently collect and review loan applications, ensuring completeness and compliance with program requirements. Emphasis will be placed on simplifying the application procedure to encourage participation from a diverse range of healthcare entities, including those in rural and underserved areas.

3. Development of User-Friendly Application Portal: An essential objective is the development and maintenance of a user-friendly application portal. The portal should be intuitive and accessible, allowing applicants to easily submit and track their applications online. Real-time updates on application status and project progress should be provided to enhance transparency and facilitate communication between applicants and the administrator.

The development of such Statistical Automated System (SAS) or a cloud-based portal for the Revolving Loan Program must prioritize data security, scalability, and availability within a low-code, cloud-based environment.

4. Effective Customer Service: Providing exemplary customer service to loan applicants is paramount. Respondents should demonstrate responsiveness and transparency throughout the application and funding process, offering guidance and support to applicants as needed. Clear communication channels should be established to address inquiries promptly and ensure a positive experience for all program participants.

5. Cost-Efficiency and Budgetary Planning: Information should outline strategies for maximizing cost-efficiency while delivering high-quality administrative services. This includes identifying opportunities to streamline processes, leverage technology, and minimize overhead expenses. Furthermore, the Respondents should provide estimated costs and projected timelines to enable the Department to effectively budget for and allocate resources to the Revolving Loan Program.

6. Continuous Improvement and Adaptation: The Respondents should demonstrate a commitment to ongoing support and refinement of program operations to enhance effectiveness and adapt to evolving needs and challenges within the healthcare sector. This includes soliciting feedback from stakeholders, monitoring program outcomes, and implementing best practices to optimize program performance over time, to ensure the program remains scalable and evolves to meet the needs of the state.

7. Estimated Cost, Time Frames, and Related Information: Information should include cost estimates for administering the Revolving Loan Program, including any upfront expenses, ongoing operational costs, and administrative fees. Additionally, Respondents should provide projected time frames for key milestones such as application processing, loan disbursement, monitoring, and reporting.

Furthermore, Respondents should outline their experience and qualifications in managing similar programs, as well as any innovative approaches or technologies they intend to utilize to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness.

V. PROCESS

Responses to this RFI will be reviewed by the Department for informational purposes only and will not result in the award of a contract.

The Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management will review the responses received from this RFI to determine the feasibility of issuing a competitive solicitation for these services.

Any request for cost information is for budgetary purposes only.

Vendors submitting answers to an agency’s Request for Information are not prohibited from responding to any related subsequent solicitation.

VI. RESPONSE FORMAT

The Department’s intent is to identify potential vendors that can fulfill the functional requirements listed in section IV. Potential vendors should address all of the needs listed above in a statement of work with at least the following sections at a minimum:

a. Introduction

b. Background

c. Goals

d. Objectives

e. Deliverables

f. Technical details

g. Personnel assigned and contact information (company name, phone, email)

h. Proposed budget

VII. RESPONSE DUE DATE

Responses should be received no later than 5:00pm on May 24, 2024. Responses can be sent via e-mail to: Summer.Lindsley@flhealth.gov Additional information that cannot be transmitted electronically must also be submitted by 5:00pm on May 24, 2024 to the following address:

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CENTRAL PURCHASING OFFICE

ATTN: Summer Lindsley 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin B07

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Late submissions will not be considered by the Department.

VIII. QUESTIONS

Questions related to this RFI must be submitted in writing, via email, to Summer.Lindsley@flhealth.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. ET, May 10, 2024.

Verbal questions or those submitted after the deadline will not be addressed by the Department.

ALL EMAILS RELATED TO THIS RFI MUST CONTAIN THE RFI TITLE AND RFI DOH

NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL.

Department responses to questions received by the above deadline will be posted to https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com. The Department will reply to questions by 5:00 p.m. ET, May 15, 2024.

IX. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Vendors must indicate which portions, if any of the information being provided are proprietary or confidential by marking each page upon which such information appears.

Failure to do so will result in all information submitted being subject to public disclosure in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 119, Public Records. The information requested may be used to develop specifications for a solicitation.

X. VENDOR COSTS

Vendors are responsible for all costs associated with the preparation, submission, and any potential meeting to discuss this Request for Information. The State of Florida, Department of Health, or Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management will not be responsible for any vendor related costs associated with responding to this request.

mailto:Summer.Lindsley@flhealth.gov mailto:Summer.Lindsley@flhealth.gov https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/