RFP 07-2025-IT011 Program Broker and Administrator for Voluntary Supplemental Benefits for NC Retirees and Benefit Recipients

The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, Retirement Systems Division, is soliciting proposals under RFP 07-2025-IT011 for a Program Broker/Administrator for its Supplemental Benefits Program, with written questions due November 17, 2026 and offers due December 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time via the Ariba Sourcing Module. Vendors must maintain headquarters or a branch office in North Carolina.

The awardee administers RSD-approved voluntary dental, vision, life, and identity theft protection offerings for approximately 381,000 eligible retirees and benefit recipients throughout the United States. At RSD's direction, the awardee assesses recipient needs, solicits carriers and service providers, and negotiates terms. Required qualifications include at least five years of brokerage experience with public entities, all required licenses, and A-rated carriers for dental, vision, and life products. Required services include a 24/7 accessible website, toll-free bilingual customer service, secure SFTP data exchange, consolidated monthly billing, and quarterly reporting on enrollment, premiums, service levels, and claims. The vendor conducts independent program reviews biennially at vendor expense, with costs not passed to participants. Vendors must submit current independent third-party assessment reports before award, preferably FedRAMP certification, SOC 2 Type 2, or HITRUST, and must manage highly restricted data with appropriate physical and data controls.

No state funds compensate the vendor or pay premiums. Compensation comes from participant-authorized deductions from pension or disability payments, direct billing arrangements, or carrier and provider payments. The single-vendor award has an initial term covering the 2027 implementation period plus three calendar years, with two optional one-year renewals at NCDST's sole discretion, potentially extending to five years total. Benefit coverage and ongoing administration begin January 1, 2028.

Required evaluation components include financial stability documentation, litigation disclosures, background checks, and demonstrated experience with similar public sector clients. Milestones include a detailed implementation plan within 30 days of the effective date, initial offering recommendations by July 15, 2027, and RSD approval by August 15, 2027.