RFP_31786-00192_Amendment_One.docx

This amendment to Request for Proposals #31786-00192 issued by the State of Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration updates the schedule of events for a voluntary, fully-insured vision insurance plan. The RFP seeks proposals for vision coverage serving state employees, local education and local government employees, retirees, and dependents across Tennessee's 83 counties and all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. The plan will offer two benefit options—Basic Vision and Expanded Vision—with specified frame and contact lens allowances and is scheduled to commence January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2032. Key procedural dates include a pre-response conference on August 21, 2026; a written questions and comments deadline of September 4, 2026, with a second round deadline of October 6, 2026; a proposal response deadline of November 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.; technical evaluation completion by December 17, 2026; cost proposal opening on December 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.; negotiations scheduled for January 6-8, 2027; Notice of Intent to Award on January 28, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.; and a protest period ending February 4, 2027. The contractor signature deadline is February 12, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.

Respondents must hold a current Tennessee Certificate of Authority from the Department of Commerce and Insurance and demonstrate at least six years of experience providing group vision insurance to at least five employer accounts, with at least one account serving 10,000 members. The enrolled population as of June 2026 totals approximately 175,000 members across all coverage types, with monthly paid claims projections ranging from $550,000 to $1.088 million. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: general qualifications and experience (10 points), technical qualifications and experience (20 points), network analysis (30 points), and cost proposals (40 points), for a total of 100 points. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible respondent with the best combination of attributes rather than necessarily the lowest cost. The current vendor is EyeMed Vision, and all proposals must remain valid for at least 120 days following cost proposal opening.