Pharmacy Benefit Manager

The State of Arkansas, through the Department of Transformation and Shared Services Office of State Procurement, is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) to implement and administer self-funded pharmacy benefits for the Arkansas State and Public School Employee Health Insurance Plan. The selected PBM will be responsible for providing a range of services, including electronic drug claims processing, rebate administration, pharmacy network management, mail order and specialty pharmacy programs, formulary and utilization management, and detailed reporting. The PBM must provide a custom formulary design focused on lowering net costs, manage an Arkansas Independent Retail Pharmacies Network, and facilitate a copay assistance program. The initial contract term is from the award date until December 31, 2026, with the option to renew for up to three additional one-year terms. Prospective contractors must provide detailed pricing guarantees for discounts, dispensing fees, and rebates across various prescription channels, with a focus on transparent pricing and 100% pass-through of all rebates and manufacturer revenue.

The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. However, the Contract and Grant Disclosure form requires the contractor to disclose any individuals or entities with a controlling interest who are also current or former members of the Arkansas General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, State Boards or Commissions, or State Employees. The RFP does not mention any incumbent vendors or current contractors, and there is no information provided about the existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The RFP does not include a listed budget range, but the contract is for an estimated 130,000 members and 2.5 million annual prescriptions.