Sickness & Accidental Health Insurance Plan for International Students Fax Inquiry Deadline May 7, 2026 - Answers to Inquiry and Extension of Deadline to May 27

Southeastern Louisiana University's Purchasing Department has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for a comprehensive Sickness and Accidental Health Insurance Plan for International Students to serve the university's Enrollment Services Department. The procured health insurance plan must provide Affordable Care Act-compliant coverage for F-1 non-immigrant international students, non-F-1 Intensive English Program students, and J-1 Exchange Visitors, with an effective period of August 12, 2026 through August 11, 2027. The plan must include specific network requirements mandating the inclusion of North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana and LSUHSC-Lallie Kemp Medical Center in Independence, Louisiana within a 10-mile radius of the university. Pricing must be quoted on a per-student basis for fall, spring, and summer semesters, with separate rates for student-only coverage and dependent coverage options including student and spouse, student with spouse and children, and student with children only. Bidders must demonstrate a Best's Key Rating Guide rating of A- or better, evidence of successful operation at other universities for at least five years, and proof of authorization to conduct business in Louisiana. The fax inquiry deadline is May 7, 2026, with sealed bids required by 4:00 p.m. Central Time on May 20, 2026, and public bid opening to occur at Southeastern Louisiana University's Purchasing Department, Property Control & Supply Building, 2400 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana. The contract term is one year with the university retaining the right to extend for four additional one-year periods at the same prices, terms, and conditions if mutually acceptable.

No set-asides are specified for disadvantaged enterprises or other restricted categories of organizations in this procurement. Historical enrollment data indicates approximately 57-91 F-1 students per fall semester, 48-67 per spring semester, and 14-30 per summer semester, with annual premiums ranging from $50,330 to $69,978 over the past three years, establishing the approximate budget range for this contract. All pricing must include transportation and handling costs on an FOB Hammond, Louisiana basis, with bidders required to provide firm pricing guarantees for the entire contract term. Payment terms are established as net 30 days following invoice receipt or delivery, whichever is later, and Southeastern Louisiana University is exempt from state and local sales taxes. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. Contract funding is subject to continued appropriation by the Louisiana State Legislature, which may impact award and continuation decisions.