RFP for SBE Navigator

The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Central Purchasing division is requesting proposals on behalf of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) to serve as SBE-FP Navigator Entities, with responses due August 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM Central Time. The RFP allows OID to award a single contract or multiple awards (up to three awardees for Plan Year 2027) as determined in the state's best interest.

Navigator Entities oversee individual Navigators and conduct education and outreach to help uninsured and underserved Oklahomans access health insurance through Oklahoma's State Based Exchange on the Federal Platform. Navigators assist consumers with coverage applications, provide education on health care basics, plan options, and available financial assistance. All consumer interactions must be conducted by human personnel without artificial intelligence assistance. Eligible applicants must be private or public entities with a physical location in Oklahoma and may apply individually or as a consortium with a designated lead applicant. Minimum qualification is at least 36 months of experience providing products and services of the type requested.

The initial contract term runs one year (September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027) with four one-year renewal options available. Up to $350,000 in total program funding is available for Plan Year 2027, distributed proportionately among selected awardees based on approved detailed budgets and proposed scope. Each annual budget is capped at $350,000 per Navigator Entity. Navigator funding is restricted to direct program activities and cannot support health care services, fund matching for other federal or state programs, staff retreats, promotional items, or lobbying. Selected Navigator Entities must register with OID (including a $50 annual registration fee), maintain affiliated certified Navigators, submit monthly reports, and invoice monthly. Individual Navigators must complete federal CMS certification and OID registration (including a $25 fee and criminal background check) within 60 days of agreement execution.

Evaluation is based on best-value criteria: the detailed budget proposal, Business Assessment and Mandatory Disclosure Form responses, and Navigator Program Application responses. Questions are due August 19, 2026. Organizations selected must return signed Navigator Entity Agreements by August 31, 2026. Bidders must submit Authority to Operate (ATO) confirmation as part of their response. All bids must remain firm for 120 days after the due date. Responses require the Executive Summary Worksheet, Detailed Budget, Business Assessment form, Navigator Program Application, Third-Party Supplier Information (if applicable), and Statement of Work. Financial information, including three years of audited statements and tax returns, will be treated as confidential under Oklahoma law.