Voluntary Dental Insurance Program DPPO

The City of Houston is soliciting proposals for a qualified Dental Plan Administrator to manage voluntary dental insurance programs for employees, non-Medicare eligible retirees, and their dependents. The primary objective is to improve dental health outcomes, enhance member experience, and increase administrative efficiency through the provision of fully insured DHMO and DPPO dental plans. The contract features an initial three-year term with two optional one-year renewals, capping the total duration at five years. The selected administrator will be responsible for plan administration, claims processing, member services, and the implementation of cost-containment strategies, with a requirement that all member communications and materials be provided in both English and Spanish. Award selection is based on a 105-point evaluation system, prioritizing technical competence (75 points) and cost (25 points), with additional local preference points available through the Hire Houston First Program. Key technical requirements include experience with large public sector employers, the qualifications of the implementation team, and the ability to meet strict performance guarantees, such as the delivery of ID cards within five to ten business days. The contract mandates strict adherence to HIPAA administrative simplification rules, the City's security compliance standards for protected data, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Ordinance. Proposers must submit a comprehensive tabbed proposal including a cost proposal, network access reports, and a WSBE participation plan.