Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network Services for Workers' Compensation

Suffolk County Office of Central Procurement, on behalf of the Suffolk County Department of Law/Division of Risk Management, is seeking proposals from qualified entities to provide Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network Services for the Suffolk County Workers' Compensation Program. The primary objective is to reduce workers' compensation medical expenses for approximately 10,000 county employees who generate an average of 1,500 new claims annually with over 1,000 ongoing indemnity claims. The selected contractor will be responsible for providing access to PPO networks capable of reducing provider bill charges below the New York State Workers' Compensation fee schedule or usual and customary rates. In 2024, Suffolk County spent approximately $9.66 million on workers' compensation medical expenses and achieved approximately $265,000 in savings through its current PPO network, demonstrating the financial impact of this service. The proposal evaluation will be based on 40 points for general qualifications, 40 points for technical services, and 20 points for cost proposal, with proposers required to submit detailed cost structures indicating whether pricing will be a percentage of savings or a flat fee per bill. The RFP was issued on August 21, 2025, with technical questions due by September 9, 2025, and complete proposals due by September 30, 2025. The anticipated contract term is from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, with two optional one-year renewals available.

The RFP documents require all bidders to comply with Suffolk County's comprehensive compliance packet, which includes certification requirements related to lawful hiring practices, living wage standards (minimum $17.21 per hour with health benefits or $17.36 without), non-discrimination, and various other labor law and ethical business conduct standards. While specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are not explicitly detailed in the materials provided, all proposers must demonstrate compliance with county standards regarding employment practices, wage rates, and ethical business conduct. No incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified in the procurement materials, though the documents reference the current PPO network provider's performance. The contract will be structured as a Consultant/Personal Services Contract with financial terms subject to annual appropriation by the County Legislature, and the contractor must be prepared to meet extensive audit rights, insurance requirements, and record retention obligations. While a specific award value or budget range is not explicitly stated in the materials provided, the county's recent spending of approximately $9.66 million on workers' compensation medical expenses provides context for the potential contract scope and value.