Benefits Broker/Consultant services

The City of Escondido is soliciting proposals for professional employee benefits brokerage and consulting services to manage the design, implementation, and administration of insurance plans for approximately 1,015 employees. The scope of work includes managing health, dental, vision, life, and disability plans, as well as providing claims review, provider negotiations, funding strategy recommendations, regulatory compliance advisement, and employee communications. Key deliverables include an annual Health and Wellness Expo, COBRA administration, and annual cost and premium forecasts. The contract is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, for an initial two-year term, with three optional one-year extensions. Proposals are due by September 15, 2025, and must be submitted in both hard copy and PDF format via USB drive. Award selection will be based on a trade-off process evaluating responsiveness to city needs, negotiation expertise, staff qualifications, and account management strategy. The agreement is contingent upon annual appropriations, follows net 30 payment terms, and requires the consultant to adhere to the City's standard Consulting Agreement and insurance requirements.