CalHEERS SDMO RFP #73040873

The State of California, through the Office of Technology and Solutions Integration, is soliciting proposals under RFP #73040873 for System Development, Maintenance, and Operations (SDMO) for the California Healthcare Eligibility, Enrollment and Retention System (CalHEERS). This system is critical for Covered California and the Department of Health Care Services, facilitating account creation, eligibility determination, and health plan selection for insurance affordability programs. The scope of work encompasses technical solutions, program support for cyclic needs, comprehensive project management, and a formal change control process for system enhancements. The contract is structured with five base years and five optional one-year extensions, with performance occurring in Sacramento, California. The procurement process utilizes a multi-step evaluation involving a qualification step, technical evaluation, and a Best and Final Offer. Technical scoring is weighted heavily toward the bidder's understanding and approach, specifically regarding project management, system enhancements, and program support, with additional points allocated for cost assessment and key staff qualifications. Bidders must pass a responsiveness gate by addressing all mandatory scorable requirements to avoid disqualification. Proposals must be submitted in three distinct volumes—Administrative/Bidder Requirements, Completed Contract, and Cost Data—by January 20, 2026. Key contractual requirements include strict adherence to IEEE standards for software verification and validation, the maintenance of professional liability insurance of at least 5 million dollars, and the use of secured bays for any offshore personnel. Financial administration requires electronic PDF invoicing submitted to the OTSI accounts payable department, with a standard payment term of 45 days. The award process also incorporates Small Business and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise incentives to determine the final winning bidder.