RFP: Employee Benefits Broker/Consultant

The County of San Mateo Human Resources Department is soliciting proposals under solicitation 2026-RFP-00603 for an Employee Benefits Broker/Consultant to manage group benefits for approximately 8,400 employees. The scope of services includes strategic consulting and brokerage for core insurance plans such as medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability, as well as administrative plans including COBRA, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and commuter/transit plans. Key responsibilities involve strategy development, financial and renewal management, vendor evaluation, and procurement support, with specific deliverables such as quarterly high-cost claim analysis and pre-renewal strategy meetings held six to eight months prior to renewal. Proposers must demonstrate at least ten years of experience providing similar services and submit a technical proposal and a separate five-year fee proposal by September 4, 2026. The selection process is based on a best-value determination, with a significant emphasis on the project approach and preferential scoring for local, small, or micro businesses and non-profits. The awarded contractor will be required to sign a standard County contract adhering to California law, HIPAA business associate requirements, and Section 504 compliance. Performance is measured through a points-based scoring system, and the contract includes strict requirements for data privacy, non-discrimination, and the payment of prevailing wages where applicable.