RFP 07-2025-IT011 Program Broker and Administrator for Voluntary Supplemental Benefits for NC Retirees and Benefit Recipients

The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer's Retirement Systems Division is soliciting offers for a Program Broker and Administrator to manage the voluntary supplemental benefits program for North Carolina retirees and benefit recipients. The selected vendor will be responsible for assessing retiree needs, conducting provider solicitations, negotiating customized terms, and acting as the primary plan liaison for operations. Key administrative duties include managing status changes, life claims, coverage levels, and providing participant communications and forms. The contract is a term agreement with a phased implementation schedule, requiring a detailed plan within 30 days of the effective date and full coverage and administration beginning January 1, 2028. Award selection will be based on a trade-off/ranking method to determine the best value, prioritizing the vendor's brokerage and product sourcing capabilities and their approach to program administration and operations. The vendor must comply with North Carolina state procurement rules, including Department of Information Technology terms and conditions, ADA compliance, and strict data security standards for high-risk information, with a preference for HITRUST, SOC 2 Type 2, or FedRAMP certifications. Key deliverables include independent program reviews every two years and a commitment to provide up to six months of transition assistance upon contract termination. Proposals are due by December 21, 2026, and must include comprehensive documentation across multiple attachments, including financial reviews and vendor certifications.