RFP S26DWC001 Pharmaceutical Consulting

The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) is requesting proposals for pharmaceutical consulting and expertise related to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS) under RFP S26DWC001, with proposals due August 3, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and written questions due July 14, 2026. Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness (MB) preference of 5 percent applies; Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation receives optional incentives of 1–5 percent; and Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preference is available.

Proposers must hold a valid California Pharmacist License and demonstrate five years of experience in each of the following: pharmaceutical field work, P&T Committee participation, Medi-Cal reimbursement systems, state and government agency data analysis, confidential data handling, and pharmaceutical economic analysis. These are mandatory minimum qualifications.

The scope covers ongoing technical assistance to support MTUS drug formulary updates, the Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule, and standardized pharmaceutical billing. Deliverables include a kickoff meeting with initial data review and written analysis; quarterly preparation and facilitation of meetings for the independent Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee; response to public inquiries regarding the MTUS Drug List; expert consultation on technical pharmaceutical issues and alternative drug list formats; and quarterly meetings with DIR staff.

The contract carries a firm-fixed-price structure with performance commencing October 14, 2026, for an initial 36-month term. The total budget is $332,000 for the initial period, with an additional $83,000 budgeted for an optional fourth year at DIR's discretion. Proposals exceeding the budgeted amount will be disqualified. Payment is monthly in arrears upon task completion and DIR approval. Contractor must maintain general liability ($1,000,000), automobile liability ($1,000,000), workers' compensation, and professional liability ($1,000,000) coverage. No travel or per diem reimbursement is provided.

Evaluation criteria are technical merit (70 points) and cost (30 points), with a minimum score of 70 required for award eligibility.