ESBD_379720_1729030860092_RFP 2510-006 Life, Short_Long Term Disability.pdf

Request for Proposals

RFP 2510-006

BASIC LIFE & AD&D, VOLUNTARY LIFE & AD&D, EMPLOYER PAID SHORT-TERM

DISABILITY, VOLUNTARY SHORT-TERM DISABILITY, EMPLOYER PAID LONG-TERM

DISABILITY

October 15, 2024

Contact: Central Health Purchasing Office 1111 E. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78702 Phone: 512-978-8157 Email: CHPurchasing@centralhealth.net

PROPOSALS DUE: Thursday, November 14, 2024 ~ 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Central Time

RFP 2510-006 - Life & Disability P a g e 2

Request for Proposals

BASIC LIFE & AD&D, VOLUNTARY LIFE & AD&D, EMPLOYER PAID SHORT-TERM DISABILITY,

VOLUNTARY SHORT-TERM DISABILITY, EMPLOYER PAID LONG-TERM DISABILITY

Procurement Schedule

Action Date Time Responsibility Location / Details

Solicitation Issue Date

Tuesday, October 15, 5:00

PM

Central Health Bidnet and Electronic State Business Daily

("ESBD")

Site Visit (if applicable)

N/A N/A Central Health N/A

Pre-Proposal Conference

Tuesday, October 22, 2:00

PM

Central Health MS Teams

Question Submittal Tuesday, October 29, 5:00

PM

Proposers Bidnet or CHpurchasing@centralhealth.ne t

Question Response Tuesday, November 5, 5:00

PM

Central Health Bidnet and ESBD

Proposal Submission

Thursday, November 14, 2:00

PM

Proposers Bidnet or 1111 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin TX 78702

Proposals received after the Proposal Submission time at the designated location will not be considered.

Protest Deadline See Section II.A.11 Proposers

Initial Contract Duration: 2 Years

Contract Renewal: Optional - Four (4) one-year renewal periods after initial term

Proposals and Prices Good for: 90 days

Multiple Awards: No

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PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Proposers should note that this Request for Proposals (RFP) is published and accessible through electronic means. Proposers who received notification of this solicitation by means other than through any of the three websites listed below should register with Bidnet in order to receive timely notification of any addenda, amendment, and/or other forms of information that may be issued prior to the solicitation submittal date:

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/traviscountyhealthcaredistrictdbacentralhealth

Registration is free.

Proposal Submissions: Proposers are strongly encouraged to submit proposals online via Bidnet.

Submission via Bidnet is the preferred method of submission.

A secondary option is to deliver one (1) printed Proposal via USPS mail, FedEx, DHL, etc.

DUE TO STAFF HYBRID WORK SCHEDULES AND CURRENT BUILDING ACCESS

RESTRICTIONS, IF YOU PLAN TO DELIVER A PRINTED COPY TO THE PURCHASING OFFICE,

YOU MUST CONTACT THE PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY PRIOR TO DELIVERY. The printed Proposal with any supporting and/or sample documentation must be delivered in a sealed container that is labeled and addressed as follows:

Attn: RFP 2510-006 - Life & Disability Central Health - Purchasing Office 1111 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78702

Should a Proposer submit both a proposal via Bidnet and deliver a printed Proposal, the Bidnet submitted Proposal will be the proposal of record and will be used for the purposes of the RFP. Proposals submitted in a format other than 1) online via Bidnet or 2) delivery of a printed proposal to the address above will not be considered.

It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to ensure that it obtains any and all addenda and/or amendments to this RFP; addenda and amendments will be posted on Bidnet the day they are released.

In the event of a conflict between a version of the RFP in the Proposer’s possession and the version maintained by Central Health, the version maintained by Central Health will control.

All Proposals will be submitted and/or delivered on or before the closing date and time for receipt of Proposals. Proposals received at the designated location after the published time and date will not be considered.

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Entity Background B. Purpose of Request for Proposals C. Procurement Authority D. Definition of Terminology A. Pre-proposal Conference B. Deadline to Submit Questions C. Response to Written Questions D. Submission of Proposal E. Proposal Evaluation F. Selection of Finalists G. Interviews of Short-listed Finalists H. Contract Award I. Protest Deadline

III. PROPOSER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

A. Rights

Amending Proposals Withdrawing Proposals Designating Proposal Contents as Confidential or Proprietary

B. Obligations

1. Conditions and Contract Terms Associated with RFP

2. Costs Associated with Procurement

3. Electronic Mail Address

4. Identification and Selection of Subcontractors

5. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program and Good Faith Effort

6. Suspension and Debarment Certification

7. Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire (CIQ Form)

8. Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295)

9. Good-Faith Negotiations

IV. CENTRAL HEALTH RIGHTS

Summary of Rights

Reject any or all Proposals without obligation or liability to any Proposer;

Accept a Proposal other than the lowest-price Proposal (as applicable);

3. Award a Contract on the basis of an initial Proposal received without discussions or requests for Best and Final Offers;

4. Request Best and Final Offers from any or all Proposers;

Procure the Services in whole or in part by other means;

6. Award more than one Contract; and/or Not award any Contract

Termination of RFP C. Waive Minor Irregularities D. RFP Amendments E. Negotiate Additional Contract Terms F. Accept Contract Deviations G. Investigate Proposers H. Request Change in Proposer Representatives I. Assert Ownership of Proposals

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V. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION

A. Proposal Format

Proposal Organization Letter of Transmittal – Required Table of Contents - Optional Proposal Summary - Optional Response to Narrative Prompts - Required Completed and Signed Acknowledgement of Receipt Form - Required Completed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Form - Required Completed and Signed Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (CIQ) – Required upon selection Completed and Signed Certificate of Secretary – Required if Proposer is a corporation

Completed Insurance Coverage Form - Required

Other (optional) supporting material (may be included)

VI. PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

A. Narrative Prompts/Evaluation Criteria B. Evaluation Process

Exhibit A: Scope of Work Attached

Exhibit B: Life/Disability Response Template Excel Workbook

Exhibit C: Acknowledgement of Receipt Attached

Exhibit D: Historically Under-Utilized Business Form Attached

Exhibit E: Conflict of Interest Questionnaire Attached

Exhibit F: Certificate of Secretary Attached

Exhibit G: Sample Contract with Required Contracts Terms and Conditions Attached

Exhibit H: Business Associate Agreement Attached

Exhibit I: Certificate of Interested Parties Attached

Exhibit J: Not Used N/A

Exhibit K: Insurance Coverage Attached

Exhibit L: Not Used N/A

Attachment A - Offeror’s declaration Attached

Attachment B - Employee Census Attached

Attachment C - UHC Experience Reporting Attached

Attachment D – Current Benefits Excel Workbook

Attachment E - UHC Plan Documents Attached

Attachment F - Metlife Plan Documents Attached

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Attachment G - TRAVIS COUNTY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT ltd mpr_std mars report 08.01.2023 - 07.31.2024

Excel Workbook

Attachment H - STD LTD Claim Status 9.1.23-8.31.24_Claim Status Report Excel Workbook

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I. INTRODUCTION

A. Entity Background The Travis County Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health (“Central Health” or the “district”) is a hospital district created under Chapter 281 of the Texas Health and Safety Code that is responsible for providing or arranging for the provision of hospital and medical care to low-income residents of Travis County. Central Health’s mission is to improve the health of the community by caring for those who need it most – particularly the uninsured and underinsured.

Central Health is making healthcare better through the direct practice of medicine, partnerships and collaborations with other providers, and building facilities to provide care in the communities most in need. The district’s Healthcare Equity Plan, adopted in early 2022, is guiding up to $700 million in investments to close the gaps that persist throughout the safety-net healthcare system.

Central Health owns Sendero Health Plans, a community nonprofit insurer that covers members through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace. Central Health clinical partner, CommUnityCare Health Centers, is a federally qualified health center network with more than 27 primary care locations throughout Central Texas. A network of partners, including Integral Care (behavioral health), Lone Star Circle of Care (a Federally Qualified Health Center), and the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, help Central Health extend services deeper into the community.

B. Purpose of Request for Proposals The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to assist Travis Country Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health with identifying solutions and benefits for life and disability insurance to meet the objectives listed below:

• Provide Central Health employees with high-quality and valuable benefits at affordable pricing.

• Provide full consideration and review of current plans compared to new and enhanced benefit options available.

• Contract with vendors that can offer superior service and resources to employees and benefits staff.

• Offeror must quote on all requested coverages – Basic Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life & AD&D, Employer Paid Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, and Employer Paid Long-Term Disability.

Central Health is seeking to bundle their Life and Disability coverages with the same vendor but will contract with separate vendors for these coverages, should that be most advantageous. The chosen vendor will allow a one-time open enrollment for all Employees, including Late Enrollees, with no underwriting up to the Guarantee Issue amount. Central Health requires the chosen Voluntary Life vendor to “grandfather” existing enrollees at current benefit amounts, with no underwriting required.

C. Procurement Authority

Central Health has designated a Procurement Authority who is responsible for the conduct of

P a g e 8 this procurement on behalf of Central Health; therefore, all deliveries (including Proposal delivery) shall be addressed as follows:

RFP 2510-006 - Life & Disability Central Health – Purchasing Office 1111 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78702 CHpurchasing@centralhealth.net

Any inquiries or requests regarding this procurement should be submitted to the Procurement Authority as identified on Bidnet and Central Health’s Website:

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing. Proposers shall ONLY contact the Procurement Authority regarding this procurement. Proposers shall NOT contact individual Central Health Board Members, Central Health executive team leaders or staff regarding this solicitation. Such contact may result in disqualification of the Proposer initiating the contact.

D. Definition of Terminology This section contains definitions and abbreviations that are used throughout this procurement document.

“BAFO” request for a Best and Final Offer.

"Bidnet Website" is the following link:

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/traviscountyhealthcaredistrictdbacentralhealth

"Central Health Website" is the following link:

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing.

"Close of Business (COB)" means 5:00 PM Prevailing Central Time.

"Contract" means a written agreement for the procurement of items of tangible personal property or services.

"Determination" means the written documentation of a decision by the Procurement Authority, including findings of fact supporting a decision. A Determination becomes part of the procurement file.

"Desirable" means that the terms “may”, “can”, “should”, “preferably”, or “prefers” identify a Desirable or discretionary item or factor (as opposed to “Mandatory”).

“Duly Authorized Representative” means the individual who is authorized to submit a Proposal to this RFP on behalf of Proposer and to bind the Proposer to any Contract that may result from the Submission of Proposal.

“ESBD” is the Electronic State Business Daily at the following link:

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"Evaluation Committee" means a body appointed by Central Health management to perform the evaluation of Proposals.

"Evaluation Committee Report" means a document prepared by the Procurement Authority and the Evaluation Committee for Contract/s award. It contains all written Determinations resulting from the RFP.

"Finalist" is defined as a Proposer who meets all the Mandatory specifications of this Request for Proposals and whose score on evaluation factors is sufficiently high to merit further consideration by the Evaluation Committee.

"Mandatory" means that the terms “must”, “shall”, “will”, “is required”, or “are required” identify a Mandatory item or factor (as opposed to “Desirable”). Failure to meet a Mandatory item or factor will result in the rejection of the Proposer's Proposal.

“Principal” is a person in charge of an organization who takes leadership.

"Proposer" is any person, entity, corporation, or partnership that submits a Proposal.

"Procurement Authority" means a person or designee authorized by Central Health to manage or administer a procurement requiring the evaluation of the RFP Proposal.

"Request for Proposal" or “RFP” means all documents, including Attachments and Exhibits, which are hereby incorporated by reference and considered a part of the Proposals.

"Responsible Proposer" means a Proposer who submits a Proposal and who has furnished, when required, information and data to prove that on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications, its financial resources, production and service facilities, personnel, service reputation and experience are adequate to satisfactorily perform the Services or provide items of tangible personal property described in the Proposal.

"Responsive Proposal” means a Proposal that includes all required documentation and conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the Request for Proposals. The Proposal to this Request for Proposals must include responsive information, which support the Proposer’s competence, qualifications, and ability to perform the Services, including, but not limited to, quality, quantity, and delivery requirements.

“Timely Response” means the potential vendor or contracted vendor will respond to all requests from the Procurement Authority or any Central Health representative by the deadlines provided in the request. Vendor may propose an alternative deadline to the Procurement Authority, but the decision whether or not to extend any deadline is solely within the discretion of Central Health. Failure to respond timely to requests may be grounds for invalidating a bid or canceling an awarded contract.

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II. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

This section of the RFP describes all major events listed in the RFP Schedule. The Procurement Authority will make every effort to adhere to the Procurement Schedule set forth in this RFP.

A. Pre-proposal Conference

If a pre-proposal meeting is held the date and time of that conference will be noted in the Procurement Schedule on page 2 of this RFP. Conference call and video conference information will be available the day before the meeting and will be posted on Bidnet and Central Health’s website.

B. Deadline to Submit Questions All Proposers are expected to carefully examine this RFP. Any ambiguities or inconsistencies therein should be brought to the attention of the Procurement Authority as described in this RFP.

Additionally, it is the responsibility of the Proposer to obtain clarification of any information contained herein that is not fully understood. Proposers may submit written questions via Bidnet.

C. Response to Written Questions Written responses to all questions submitted by potential Proposers will be addressed in either a RFP addendum or question and answer document that will be posted on Bidnet by Close of Business per the Question Response Date as indicated in the Procurement Schedule on page 2 of this RFP.

Any verbal statement made by Central Health regarding the RFP prior to the award will be considered non-binding. The only formal interpretation of the RFP will be made by addendum or a question-and-answer document issued by the Procurement Authority.

D. Submission of Proposal The Procurement Authority or designee must receive all proposals for review and evaluation no later than 2:00 PM Central Time per the Proposal Submission Date as indicated in the Procurement Schedule on page 2 of this RFP. Proposals received after this deadline will not be accepted. Refer to Proposal Instructions on page 3 of this RFP for Proposal Submission instructions.

Proposals submitted via Bidnet (preferred method), Bidnet.com will automatically record the date and time of receipt of each correctly submitted Proposal.

The date and time of receipt will be recorded on each printed Proposal. The Proposal must be addressed and delivered to the Procurement Authority in a sealed container at the address listed in 1.C above. Proposals submitted by facsimile or other electronic means will not be accepted.

A public log will be kept of the names of all organizations that submit a Proposal. Unless required by law, the contents of any Proposal will not be disclosed to competing Proposers prior to

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Contract award.

E. Proposal Evaluation The Evaluation Committee will evaluate the Proposals. The Procurement Authority may initiate discussions with Proposers who submit Responsive or potentially Responsive Proposals, but Proposals may be accepted and evaluated without such discussion. Any resulting clarifications will be issued to all Proposers. While Proposers may initiate requests for clarifications pursuant to above, general discussions SHALL NOT be initiated by the Proposers. The Evaluation Committee will evaluate and score written Proposals using the evaluation criteria identified in section VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA.

F. Selection of Finalists The selection process may be conducted in two steps. In step one, the Evaluation Committee will evaluate and score written Proposals using the evaluation criteria identified in section VII.

EVALUATION CRITERIA. Based on the scoring in step one, the Evaluation Committee, as step two, may develop a “short list” of Proposers who may be invited to interview or provide a demonstration with the Evaluation Committee. Only "short listed" Finalists will be considered for further evaluation and invited to participate in the subsequent steps of the procurement process.

G. Interviews of Short-listed Finalists Based on step one of the selection process, Central Health, at its sole discretion, may determine that it is necessary to interview or request a demonstration from the short-listed finalists prior to making a recommendation to ask for a Best and Final Offer (“BAFO”) or to recommend Contract award. If Central Health desires to conduct interviews/demonstrations, short-listed finalists will be invited to present their Proposals to the Evaluation Committee. The purpose of interviews/demonstrations, if conducted, is to ensure the Evaluation Committee’s understanding of the Proposals and Proposer’s qualifications, as well as, to evaluate the Proposer’s team under the criteria set forth in section VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA. When conducted, interview/demonstration scores will be used as an additional consideration for recommendation and award of a Contract. The Procurement Authority will schedule the time for each Proposer presentation, if applicable. All Proposer presentations will be held as virtual, conference call presentations. Each interviewee will be allowed one (1) hour for the presentation followed by a question/answer period from the evaluation team.

H. Contract Award Central Health may but is not obligated to award one or more Contracts to the Proposer/s that best satisfies Central Health’s requirements and provides the best overall value to Central Health for the Scope of Work.

As of the date of issuance, a single award is contemplated.

I. Protest Deadline Protest of Contract award by a Proposer that was not recommended for same must be submitted in writing to the Procurement Authority within ten (10) calendar days after Central Health

P a g e 12 notifies Proposers of a Contract award. The written protest must clearly set forth the arguments supporting the protest and, if desired, should include a request for an expedited hearing with the Procurement Authority. The Procurement Authority will rule on the protest in writing within ten

(10) business days from the date it receives the written protest and any hearing. Any appeal of the Procurement Authority’s decision must be made within ten (10) calendar days after receipt thereof and submitted to the Procurement Authority, who will present the matter for final resolution to the Central Health President and CEO or his/her designee. The Proposer will be notified of the time and place the appeal is to be heard and afforded an opportunity to present evidence to the Central Health President and CEO or his/her designee in support of the appeal.

Central Health's decision on appeal is final.

Protests received after the deadline will not be accepted.

III. PROPOSER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

A. Rights Amending Proposals

Any Proposer may submit an amended Proposal before the deadline for receipt of Proposals.

Such amended Proposals must be complete replacements for a previously submitted Proposal and must be clearly identified as such in the transmittal letter. Central Health will not merge, collate, or assemble Proposal materials.

Withdrawing Proposals Proposers will be allowed to withdraw their Proposals at any time prior to the deadline for receipt of Proposals. To withdraw a Proposal, the Proposer must submit a written withdrawal request signed by the Proposer’s Duly Authorized Representative and addressed to the Procurement Authority.

Designating Proposal Contents as Confidential or Proprietary Proposers may mark, stamp, or imprint the words “proprietary” or “confidential” on any pages of the Proposal that include information of this type. However, Proprietary or confidential information should be readily separable from the Proposal in order to facilitate eventual public inspection of the other portions of the Proposal. Central Health will not sort, otherwise isolate, or redact proprietary or confidential information embedded within the body of a Proposal.

B. Obligations

1. Conditions and Contract Terms Associated with RFP Proposers must indicate their acceptance of all conditions governing the RFP in their letter of transmittal. However, a Proposer’s failure to do so will not operate to exempt Proposer from these conditions, as the act of submission itself constitutes acceptance of the conditions, including the evaluation criteria contained in section VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA of this RFP.

Additionally, Proposers must agree to include the terms contained within Exhibit G – Sample Contract with Required Contract Terms and Conditions, which is incorporated in this RFP, in any Contract that results from this RFP and to execute the Business Associate Agreement contained within Exhibit H, of this RFP.

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2. Costs Associated with Procurement Any and all costs incurred by the Proposer in preparation, transmittal, and presentation of any Proposal or material submitted in response to this RFP will be borne solely by the Proposer.

3. Electronic Mail Address A large part of the communication regarding this procurement will be conducted by electronic mail (e-mail). Therefore, all Proposers must have a valid e-mail address to receive correspondence.

4. Identification and Selection of Subcontractors The term “subcontractor” includes sub-consultants. Proposer’s intended use of subcontractors must be clearly explained in its Proposals, and major subcontractors must be identified by name.

The awarded Proposer will be wholly responsible for the entire performance of the Contract, whether or not subcontractors are used, and Proposer expressly acknowledges that in entering into such subcontract(s), Central Health is in no manner liable to any subcontractor(s). Awarded Proposer further acknowledges that Central Health will make Contract payments only to the awarded Proposer.

5. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program and Good Faith Effort Proposers are asked to make a "good faith effort" to take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that certified HUBs (see next paragraph) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of any Contract that results from this RFP as subcontractors.

HUB contractors and subcontractors must be certified as a HUB, Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise source by a recognized governmental program, such as:

• City of Austin Municipal Government;

• Texas Unified Certification Program; or

• State of Texas; or

• Other certification entity recognized by Travis County, Texas

Any subcontractor who Proposer intends to subcontract with at the time of Proposal submission and that is identified, as a HUB will be required to submit a copy of its certification with this Proposal. Central Health reserves the right to verify any entity's HUB status prior to Contract award.

6. Suspension and Debarment Certification The Proposer will certify, by signing the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form, attached hereto as Exhibit C, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that the Proposer and/or its Principals or subcontractors are not and have not been debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or declared ineligible for the award of Contracts by any federal department or district.

7. Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire (CIQ Form)

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Pursuant to Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code, the awarded Proposer, if any, will be required to complete the Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire ("CIQ"), which is attached to this RFP as Exhibit E, and submit it together with the Contract, if the Proposer has: (i) an employment or other business relationship with a local government officer of Central Health or a family member of same; (ii) given a local government officer of Central Health or a family member of same one or more gifts having an aggregate value as specified in Exhibit E or (iii) has a family relationship with a local government officer of Central Health. For additional information concerning filling out the CIQ, see https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/conflict/.

8. Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295) Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code prohibits a governmental entity, like Central Health, from entering into certain Contracts, unless the business entity submits a Certificate of Interested Parties form, attached to this RFP as EXHIBIT I, to the governmental entity at the time the business entity executes a Contract. Form 1295 is applicable to any of awarded Proposer’s directors, officers, or employees who hold a controlling interest (10% or more ownership) in the business entity and who actively participated in facilitating the Contract or negotiating the terms of same (broker, intermediary, advisor, and/or attorney), if any.

The Proposer for such Contract award will be required to electronically file a Form 1295 with the Texas Ethics Commission upon notification of selection from Central Health. The online filing process will generate a Certificate Number and Date Filed. The Proposer will submit that information Central Health as part of its contract.

For more information, visit:

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/

9. Good-Faith Negotiations The Procurement Authority or designee will participate in all discussions with Proposers.

Discussions will only be conducted with responsible Proposers who submit Responsive Proposals to the RFP, which are determined to be reasonably acceptable of being selected for award. Those Proposers will be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of Proposals. Proposers may be required to submit additional information and/or clarify previously submitted information during negotiations.

Revisions and supplements to Proposals may also be permitted after submission and before Contract award for the purpose of obtaining BAFOs in Central Health’s sole discretion. Any BAFO, as well as the entire Proposal, will become part of Central Health’s awarded Contract.

Central Health reserves the right to negotiate the price and any other term with any, all, or none of the Proposers. Any oral negotiations must be confirmed in writing prior to an award.

IV. CENTRAL HEALTH RIGHTS

Summary of Rights Central Health may:

Reject any or all Proposals without obligation or liability to any Proposer;

Accept a Proposal other than the lowest-price Proposal (as applicable);

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/conflict/ https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/

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3. Award a Contract on the basis of an initial Proposal received without discussions or requests for Best and Final Offers;

4. Request Best and Final Offers from any or all Proposers;

Procure the Services in whole or in part by other means;

6. Award more than one Contract; and/or Not award any Contract.

Termination of RFP

This RFP may be canceled at any time and any and all Proposals may be rejected in whole or in part if Central Health determines such action to be in Central Health’s best interest.

C. Waive Minor Irregularities

The Evaluation Committee reserves the right to waive minor irregularities (e.g. Proposer submits the incorrect number of Proposal copies or does not sign all Proposal copies) in the Proposals.

The Evaluation Committee also reserves the right to waive certain, non-mandatory requirements contained herein if the Proposal otherwise meets the mandatory requirements and/or waiving the minor irregularity does not otherwise materially affect the procurement. This right may be exercised at the Evaluation Committee’s sole discretion.

D. RFP Amendments Central Health reserves the right to issue amendments to this RFP before the date on which Proposals are due.

E. Negotiate Additional Contract Terms Central Health reserves the right to modify and negotiate with a successful Proposer provisions in addition to those attached to this RFP. The contents of this RFP, as revised and/or supplemented, and the successful Proposer's Proposal will be incorporated into and become part of the Contract.

F. Accept Contract Deviations Any additional terms and conditions, which may be the subject of negotiation, will be discussed only between Central Health and the selected Proposer and will not be deemed an opportunity to amend the Proposer’s Proposal. If a Proposer requests significant changes to either the required Contract terms or the terms of the Business Associate Agreement, Proposer’s Proposal may be considered non-Responsive and result in Proposers’ disqualification or, if such changes are requested post-Proposal submission in violation of this RFP, will result in termination of negotiations and Contract award.

G. Investigate Proposers The Evaluation Committee may make such investigations as necessary to determine the qualifications and ability of the Proposer to adhere to the requirements specified within this RFP.

The Evaluation Committee will reject any Proposal that is submitted by a Proposer who it deems unqualified or who otherwise fails to submit a responsive Proposal. Central Health may also investigate a Proposer’s prior contract relationships, contact references provided by Proposer, and explore and consider prior public statements or actions by a Proposer or any of its key

P a g e 16 personnel that may be relevant to the performance of the tasks in the RFP or the ability of the Proposer to perform such tasks.

H. Request Change in Proposer Representatives Central Health reserves the right to require a change in the representatives that Proposer submits with the Proposal, if the assigned representatives are not, in the opinion of Central Health, able to adequately meet Central Health’s needs.

I. Assert Ownership of Proposals All documents submitted in response to this Request for Proposals will become the property of Central Health.

V. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION

This section of the RFP describes the format and organization of the Proposer's Proposal. Failure to conform to the requirements contained herein may result in disqualification of the Proposal.

A. Proposal Format All Proposals, electronic or printed, must delineate each section. The page limit should be no more than forty (40) pages (20 front/back if printed) not including tabs and required forms (see item B. below), or as further instructed in this RFP. If submitting a printed Proposal, the Proposal must be in a binder with tabs delineating each section.

Proposal Organization The Proposal must be organized and indexed in the following format and must contain, as a minimum, all items that are listed as required in the sequence indicated.

Letter of Transmittal – Required

• Identify the submitting organization;

• Identify the name, title, e-mail address and telephone number of the person authorized to contractually obligate the organization or individual proposing;

• Identify the name, title, e-mail address, and telephone number of the person authorized to negotiate a Contract on behalf of the organization;

• Identify the names, titles, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of persons to be contacted for Proposal clarification;

• Explicitly indicate acceptance of Sections II through IV of this RFP;

• Be signed by the person authorized to contractually obligate the organization; and

• Acknowledge receipt of all, if any, addenda to this RFP.

Table of Contents - Optional Proposal Summary - Optional Response to Narrative Prompts - Required Completed and Signed Acknowledgement of Receipt Form - Required Completed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Form - Required Completed and Signed Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (CIQ) – Required upon selection

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Completed and Signed Certificate of Secretary – Required if Proposer is a corporation Completed Insurance Coverage Form - Required Other (optional) supporting material (may be included)

The forms listed behind the numbers 5, 6, 8 and 9 must be thoroughly completed, executed and witnessed, if and as required, and included in the appropriate section of the Proposal. Proposals must include all Attachments and Exhibits in order to be considered Responsive.

Any Proposal that does not adhere to these requirements may be deemed non-responsive and rejected on that basis.

VI. PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Proposers shall respond in the form of a detailed narrative to each of the narrative prompts contained in Item A below and based on information provided in in Exhibit A: Scope of Work and Exhibit B: Price/Cost. The narratives, along with supporting materials, will be evaluated and awarded points accordingly.

Failure to respond to the following mandatory narrative prompts will result in disqualification of the Proposal as non-responsive.

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A. Narrative Prompts/Evaluation Criteria

Item EVALUATION CRITERIA Weight (%)

1. Ability to Perform/Provide 30

2. Quality 20

3. Services 20

4. Cost 20

5. Innovation 10

Total 100%

1. Ability to Perform/Provide: Offeror’s capability to provide Central Health’s business needs, e.g., relevant experience, company organization, references, financial viability, core competencies, and the ability to meet the schedule in the RFP.

2. Quality: Offeror's capability to provide the materials and/or services according to quality, technical specification, or configuration required by Central Health and the qualifications of personnel providing the services to Central Health.

3. Services: Offeror’s tools and methodologies, deliverables, reports, documentation requirements, safety measures, programs and records, and ability to comply with Central Health’s health and safety programs. For product RFPs, this section will also evaluate the Offeror's ability to provide the services related to the product.

4. Cost: The costs of the solution, which include not only price for the product or service, but also total cost of ownership considerations.

5. Innovation: Any ideas, suggestions, alternates, or programs provided by Offeror in its Proposal that would have the effect of meeting or exceeding Central Health’s requirements.

B. Evaluation Process

1. Proposals will be reviewed for compliance with the above criteria for this solicitation.

Proposals deemed non-responsive will be eliminated from further consideration.

2. The Procurement Authority may contact the Proposer for clarification of the Proposal as specified in above.

3. The Evaluation Committee may use other sources of information to perform the evaluation as specified in Proposal Evaluation.

4. Responsive Proposals will be evaluated using the criteria set forth in the table above. The Responsive and Responsible Proposers with the highest scores may be selected as short-listed Finalists. Said short-listed Finalists may be invited to present their Proposals to the Evaluation

5. Committee. Points awarded from the interviews, if any, will be added to Proposer’s overall score.

6. The Proposer whose Proposal is most advantageous to Central Health, taking into consideration the stated EVALUATION CRITERIA, may be recommended for Contract award as specified in above. Proposers who are asked or chosen to submit a revised Proposal for the purpose of obtaining Best and Final Offers may have their points recalculated

P a g e 19 accordingly. Please note however, that a serious deficiency in the initial Proposal may be grounds for rejection regardless of overall score.

7. Proposers or potential contracted vendors will respond to all requests by the Central Health Purchasing Office within the deadline timeframe provided in the request. Proposers or potential contracted vendors may propose an alternative deadline to the Procurement Authority, but the decision whether or not to extend any deadline is solely within the discretion of Central Health. Failure to respond by the given deadline may result in proposer being deemed non-responsive.

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SCOPE OF WORK

BASIC LIFE & AD&D, VOLUNTARY LIFE & AD&D, EMPLOYER PAID SHORT-TERM

DISABILITY, VOLUNTARY SHORT-TERM DISABILITY, EMPLOYER PAID LONG-TERM

DISABILITY

HISTORY AND OVERVIEW

Currently, Central Health has approximately 1,900 regular full-time employees. Central Health offers 100% employer paid Basic Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life & AD&D, Voluntary Short-Term Disability and 100% employer paid Long-Term Disability.

The Life Insurance & AD&D has been insured by UHC since March 1, 2015.

The Disability Insurance has been insured by MetLife since January 1, 2015.

Both Life and Disability cover employees down to 20 hours per week.

Description of Services:

The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to assist Travis Country Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health with identifying solutions and benefits for life and disability insurance to meet the objectives listed below:

• Provide Central Health employees with high-quality and valuable benefits at affordable pricing.

• Provide full consideration and review of current plans compared to new and enhanced benefit options available.

• Contract with vendors that can offer superior service and resources to employees and benefits staff.

• Offeror must quote on all requested coverages – Basic Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life & AD&D, Employer Paid Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, and Employer Paid Long-Term Disability.

Central Health is seeking to bundle their Life and Disability coverages with the same vendor but will contract with separate vendors for these coverages, should that be most advantageous. The chosen vendor will allow a one-time open enrollment for all Employees, including Late Enrollees, with no underwriting up to the Guarantee Issue amount. Central Health requires the chosen Voluntary Life vendor to “grandfather” existing enrollees at current benefit amounts, with no underwriting required.

1. Account Management:

a. Provider must designate an assigned primary account representative to manage the program for Travis County Healthcare District D/B/A Central Health. Please provide the name, title, office location, credentials, experience, and contact information for your proposed account manager.

b. Will there be other support staff from your organization supporting Central Health? If so, please list these employees and their assigned responsibilities.

c. What type of reporting will be provided to measure results of the services provided?

P a g e 21

Will you commit to working with our consultant to provide all needed information for reporting purposes?

d. Central Health expects the account management team to coordinate with all parties requested by Central Health including their consultant. Confirm your willingness to coordinate with all parties to successfully fulfill the contract terms of each line of coverage. This will include any claims questions, data collection, etc.

e. What value-added services will the account management team provide?

f. Who will be the primary contact person for Central Health for Billing, Service, Claims, etc.?

2. Customer Service:

a. Provide a designated call and claims unit with toll free telephone access.

b. Provide customer service to answer inquiries on claims, eligibility, services, coverage, or other inquiries from participants during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Central).

c. Where will claims be paid for the Central Health’s Life and Disability Plans?

d. Where will customer service be located for the Central Health’s Life and Disability plan?

e. What self-service capabilities will employees have through any web-based portals?

f. What self-service capabilities are available to Central Health for plan administration?

g. Can members email customer service? Please describe.

h. Based on the calendar provided in the RFP can you guarantee the plan will be set up and ready to handle all service and claims inquires by the effective date of the plan?

i. What is the typical turnaround time for your company in processing disability and life claims?

3. Open Enrollment Support:

a. If requested by Central Health, attend Annual Open Enrollment Meetings in Austin, Texas during normal business hours.

b. If requested by Central Health, provide promotional items for employee giveaways during Open Enrollment.

4. Communication / Education Support:

a. Provide bilingual communication/educational materials with co-branding.

5. Policies / Certificates:

a. Provide Policies and Certificates and mail to employees’ homes.

6. Claims Administration:

a. Provide claims forms.

b. Receive claims and process payments of benefits in accordance with the plan designs for all claims incurred.

c. Correspond with participants and providers if additional information is necessary to complete the processing of claims.

d. Determine benefits payable under the Plans, pursuant to the terms and conditions of

Central Health’s Benefit Plan booklets.

e. Coordinate benefits payable under the Plans and with other benefit plans, if applicable.

f. Provide notice to the Participants regarding the reason(s) for denial of benefits (which are denied) and provide for the review of such denied claims.

g. Provide notice to Participants in the form of an explanation of benefits for claims transactions.

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h. Process claims with little to no involvement required of Central Health staff, utilize EDI feeds for required information.

i. Provide eligibility services, including, but not limited to, tracking and determination of disability for adult children approaching or over age 26.

j. Provide W-2 forms, if needed.

k. Administer a Fraud and Abuse Detection Program.

l. Provide options for covering a pre-existing condition for a limited period.

7. Reporting Requirements:

a. Provide timely management reports or internet access to monitor financial and service level performance. Such reports must include the following information, as applicable based on type of coverage being provided:

LIFE / AD&D Insurance

i. Enrollment, premiums, volume by coverage

ii. Detailed paid claims and premium waivers by coverage (Basic, Voluntary, etc.)

Disability

iii. Enrollment and Premiums Paid

iv. Detailed Paid Claims by coverage

v. Utilization Report/consultative analytics

vi. Data on claim denials, including common reasons for denial, trends, and patterns

8. Implementation Plan and Schedule:

a. Will there be a dedicated Implementation Manager for Central Health? If so, provide a description of how they will manage the process.

b. Confirm capabilities and process for Electronic Eligibility Files (EDI) or API with UKG Ready and timeline, as well as, any additional cost associated with EDI or API, including the Evidence of Insurability process, as well as standard eligibility and billing requirements.

c. Provide an overview of the implementation process.

d. Identify main contacts from your organization responsible for implementation. Please provide credentials and experience for these individuals.

e. Explain how the vendor will ensure data privacy and security during implementation and data transfer.

9. Compensation Confirmation:

a. Please confirm your proposal is net of commissions.

Exhibit C Acknowledgment of Receipt Form

In acknowledgment of receipt of this Request for Qualifications, the undersigned agrees that he/she has received a complete copy, beginning with the title page and Table of Contents and Exhibits.

The acknowledgment of receipt should be signed, returned, and included with the Respondent's submittal. Complete (Legal) Name of Proposer:

Proposer Tax Identification Number:

Business Address:

Telephone Number:

Type of Organization: Individual Partnership Corporation Association

Other (please describe)

If incorporated, state of incorporation:

Date organization was formed (month/year):

The number of years providing services/systems similar to those requested in this Solicitation:

Description of Proposer’s organization, locations, and number of staff (including subcontractors as applicable) that will provide services/support outlined in this Solicitation):

Please certify the following by placing an “X” in the appropriate column:

Certification Yes No Is Proposer/Respondent currently in the process of filing for bankruptcy?

Has Proposer/Respondent filed for bankruptcy within the past five (5) years?

Is the Proposer/Responder delinquent on any taxes owed to Travis County?

Do you certify that the Proposer/Responder is not currently under suspension or debarment by any governmental entity (City of Austin/state/federal government)?

Do you acknowledge that if the Proposer/Responder is currently under suspension or debarment, its submittal may not be considered?

Acknowledged Addenda of

Individual authorized to bind Proposer/Respondent to contract:

Name/Title:

Telephone: E-mail:

Point of contact information for this Solicitation (if different from authorized individual):

Name/Title:

Telephone: E-mail:

Contract Terms and Conditions

The contract terms and conditions identified in the Exhibit L, the Contract Template of this Solicitation, will form the contract resulting from this Solicitation, and the Proposer /Respondent’s submission will be incorporated into the contract. Please identify whether there are any requested exceptions or deviations.

I do not request any exceptions or deviations to the stated contract terms.

I request the following exceptions or deviations to the stated contract terms.

Litigation History:

Description of litigation to which the firm has been a party in the most recent five-year period. Please include the following details:

1) Name of case

2) Date filed

3) Court in which filed

4) Judgment or result

(Continued on Next page)

Important: The Proposer/Respondent must respond to all questions. The Proposer/Respondent may attach additional documents to the questionnaire to provide additional details.

Authorized Respondent Signature Date

Printed Name Title

ATTACHMENT D

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (HUB) FORM

The Travis County Healthcare District’s policy is to include Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) in its procurement process and to provide equal opportunities for HUB participation in the provision of supplies, services, equipment and construction projects required by the District. As such, the District seeks to ensure that a “good faith effort” is made to assist certified HUB vendors and contractors in its award of contracts and subcontracts.

To be considered as a “Certified HUB Contractor/Vendor”, the contractor/vendor must have been certified by and hold a current and valid certification from any of the following certifying agencies recognized by the District:

the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (State of Texas); City of Austin; and the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP), which includes six (6) certifying agencies.

Suggested directories to assist proposers in identifying potential HUBs to meet the District’s “good faith effort” requirement include: State: https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/;

City: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/purchasing ; and TUCP: https://www.txdot.gov/business/partnerships/tucp.html

Proposer HUB Declaration

Is your company certified as a HUB or an MBE/WBE/DBE source? Yes No. If yes,

1. Attach your certification to this form and return it in the proposal;

2. Identify the certification agency by checking all that apply;

State of Texas Comptroller HUB Program

City of Austin; Texas Unified Certification Program; and

3. Identify HUB Status (Gender & Ethnicity):

**Please complete page 2 - Disclosure of HUB Subcontractors**

Estimated percentage of the bid (proposal) that is to be subcontracted with Certified HUB sources: % https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/ http://www.austintexas.gov/department/purchasing https://www.txdot.gov/business/partnerships/tucp.html

ATTACHMENT D

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (HUB) FORM

Dis…