Employee Benefits Consulting Services

The City of Tampa, Florida is requesting proposals for Employee Benefits Consulting Services under RFP #26-P-00112, with proposals due August 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., a pre-proposal conference scheduled for July 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and the incumbent agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services expiring January 31, 2027 with no remaining renewal options. SLBE (Small Local Business Enterprise) participation is encouraged with weighted evaluation points available.

The scope covers comprehensive benefits advisory services for approximately 2,900 full-time employees and 600 retirees, including medical plan performance reviews (at least semi-annually), health plan budget preparation, vendor management and RFP coordination, wellness program evaluation, open enrollment support, and Section 457 deferred compensation plan consulting. The City's current insurance portfolio includes ASO self-funded medical plans administered by UnitedHealthcare, Medicare Advantage plans for retirees through Humana, dental coverage through Humana (DHMO and PPO), vision through Superior Vision, group term life through The Standard, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and deferred compensation plans through Florida League of Cities and Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Respondents must address 18 detailed evaluation questions covering experience with similarly-sized public-sector organizations, self-funded plan management, health plan RFP services, retiree health plan and OPEB liability expertise, claims audit capabilities, wellness program consulting, prescription drug design, and operation of three employee wellness centers.

The selected firm must be independent with no financial or operational ties to benefit service providers without written City approval. The lead consultant must be located in the Tampa Bay area with at least five years of experience providing services to a public entity within the past five years and all required licenses and certifications. For deferred compensation consulting (14 additional evaluation criteria), the firm must be registered as a federal or state investment adviser, operate on a "fee only" basis with no commissions, and have been in business for at least five years as of January 1, 2026. The contract term is three years from award with options for renewal for one additional three-year period plus unilateral extension rights for up to three additional thirty-day periods at the same terms and conditions. Sealed proposals must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov eProcurement Portal. Questions are due by a deadline not specified in the source. All costs, including optional services and travel expenses subject to advance approval, must be included in proposals and comply with Section 112.061, Florida Statutes.