RFP for Voluntary Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability Benefits

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals for comprehensive employee benefits, specifically Voluntary Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Short Term Disability (both base and buy-up options), and Long Term Disability (both base and buy-up options). This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to secure services from a qualified vendor for a contract effective January 1, 2023. The municipality seeks proposals that provide benefits "equal to or better than" their current offerings, ensuring robust coverage for its employees. The scope involves administering all specified benefit plans, outlining detailed financial proposals, and matching the existing commission structure for LTD (15%), STD (20%), and Voluntary Life/AD&D (20%). The successful contractor will be responsible for seamless account transition and maintaining high-quality provider networks with limited disruption. Prospective contractors must demonstrate the ability to administer all required benefits and must submit an "Equal to or Better than Letter" detailing any deviations from the current benefit structure. Essential qualifications include providing a complete financial proposal, adhering to specified commission rates, and completing numerous mandatory forms. These forms encompass the Political Contributions Disclosure, Disclosure of Investment in Iran, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Stockholder/Partnership Disclosure, an Appendix A for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, New Jersey Business Registration Certificate (for both vendor and subcontractors), and Certifications regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion. Furthermore, vendors are required to provide information regarding their experience, specifically detailing up to three (3) completed projects of a similar nature for public agencies in New Jersey within the past five (5) years. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are explicitly stated. Proposals must be submitted no later than August 16, 2022, by 3:00 p.m. Vendors are required to deliver sealed proposals to the Office of the Manager of the City of East Orange and simultaneously submit electronic copies via email. Electronic submissions must be sent to both Solomon.steplight@eastorange-nj.gov UNLOCK (City Administrator) and publicentityRFPsJL@connerstrong.com UNLOCK (Broker). All questions must be submitted in writing; general questions should be directed to the Manager, while technical questions regarding Life/DI, claims, and coverages should be sent to the Conner Strong representative at publicentityRFPsJL@connerstrong.com. UNLOCK Proposal documents can be obtained by electronic delivery upon request to the broker, ensuring the email references "LIFE/DISABILITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL" and includes the vendor's company name, address, telephone, facsimile numbers, and email address. No specific bid security or bonds are mentioned as required for submission.