THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR SERVICES

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, Department of Business Administration, Division of Procurement, is actively seeking proposals for Third Party Administrator (TPA) Services. This competitive contracting process, conducted under N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1(k), et seq., aims to secure a qualified firm to provide comprehensive full-service TPA services. The scope of work is extensive, encompassing the administration and management of claims and litigation against the City, its officers, and employees. This includes, but is not limited to, matters arising under the Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1 et seq.), the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA, N.J.S.A. 34:19-1 et seq.), Laws Against Discrimination (LAD, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.), 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983 actions, contract disputes, and challenges to governmental actions, alongside Workers' Compensation claims and lawsuits (N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq.). The TPA will also be responsible for crucial Safety and Risk Management activities, maintaining a close working relationship with City officials, employees, agents, and insurance carriers. Specific deliverables include reviewing claims experience, providing reports and presentations, and introducing programs to manage healthcare costs in relation to workers' compensation. The successful respondent may also be required to attend meetings with City Officials, employees, counsel, and excess liability carriers, and provide other specialized services. The contract term is three (3) years with the option for two (2) one-year extensions. Contractors must demonstrate exceptional professional, administrative, and financial qualifications to provide full-service TPA services. Key requirements include compliance with New Jersey's Affirmative Action (N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq., N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.), Disclosure of Ownership (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2), and a valid N.J. Business Registration Certificate. Respondents must hold appropriate federal and state licenses, prove a track record of representing municipal entities, and disclose any prior professional malpractice judgments or bankruptcy proceedings within specified periods. Mandatory insurance coverage includes Workers' Compensation (statutory maximums, Employer’s Liability $1,000,000 Each Occurrence/$1,000,000 Aggregate) and Professional Liability ($1,000,000/occurrence, $3,000,000 aggregate). A highly recommended pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM, in the Municipal Council Chamber at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ, to address inquiries and provide clarifications. The proposal must list the location and address of the active servicing office, which ideally should be within a reasonable distance to East Orange, and detail the firm's methodology for project management. Sealed RFP responses must be submitted by Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Submissions are to be delivered to the Municipal Council Chamber, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018, and publicly opened at that time. Each proposal package must include one (1) original, two (2) copies, and an additional copy on a USB, clearly marked "THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR SERVICES" with the consultant's name, and addressed to the Purchasing Agent. While no specific bid security or bonds are explicitly mentioned, proposals must remain firm for sixty (60) days after the submission date. Detailed RFP packets were released on Friday, August 2, 2024, and are available for download from www.eastorange-nj.gov or can be purchased for a non-refundable $25.00 fee at the Division of Procurement, City Hall, 1st floor. All questions regarding the solicitation should be directed to Racquel Ferguson, Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162, whose office is located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018.