Benefits Consulting Services

The Heard County Board of Commissioners is issuing a solicitation for qualified, independent insurance brokers to provide comprehensive Employee Benefits Consulting Services for approximately 170 full-time employees. The scope includes annual plan renewals, negotiations, carrier analysis, compliance with federal and state laws such as ACA and HIPAA, plan performance reviews, employee communication strategies, and ongoing advisory support. The contract is set to commence on January 1, 2026, with options for renewal, and requires the selected firm to be licensed in Georgia, unaffiliated with any insurance carrier, and possessing at least five years of relevant public-sector experience. Proposals are due by July 24, 2025, with evaluations based on the plan of services, relevant experience, key personnel qualifications, and proposal quality, aiming for the best value for the county. The process emphasizes strict compliance with RFP terms, independence, and experience, with the final award anticipated at the August 19, 2025, County Commission meeting. The contractual framework does not incorporate specific FAR clauses or federal contract clauses but emphasizes compliance with IRS regulations, Georgia licensing, and general procurement conditions. The agreement is governed by the explicit terms of the RFP, including provisions for annual renewal, negotiation support, and audit responsibilities. There are no detailed packaging, marking, or shipping requirements, as the contract pertains solely to professional consulting services. The evaluation process considers the quality of the plan of services, experience, and key personnel, with the County reserving the right to reject any proposals deemed not in its best interest. The contract administration details specify that all proposals must be submitted in four signed copies, clearly marked, and delivered by the deadline to the County offices, with no electronic submissions accepted. The primary contact for questions and administrative matters is Katrina Billingsley, HR Director, ensuring a streamlined process for communication and compliance.