HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP - P1031 FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATOR (2)City of Fort Collin;
ADDENDUM NO. 1
SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Description: RFP# P1 031 -Flexible Spending Account Administrator
OPENING DATE: 3:00 P.M. (Our Clock) August 2, 2006
To all prospective bidders under the specifications and contract documents described above,
the following changes are hereby made.
Questions and Answers:
1. Reference RFP page 6, under FSA Administration, Question #4:
What is the current minimum reimbursement that the City issues?
15.00
2. Reference RFP page 6, under FSA Administration, Question #5:
Please describe the City's current methodology for verifying dependent
eligibility?
City does not currently have a formal system in place. Look at benefit enrollment
forms for date of birth to verify dependent status.
3. Reference RFP page 8, under Communications, Question #4:
Please provide a brief summary of the current annual Open Enrollment process,
to include:
a) Methodology for enrollment (paper or electronic):
Online (electronic)
b) Materials prepared and distributed by the City (paper or electronic):
Some paper/some online
c) Timeframe and duration of the enrollment:
Varies — online enrollment for employees approximately two weeks: but the
entire process begins in October and ends in December
d) Are employee meetings held?
Yes — several meetings at key locations throughout the city
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2 H North Mason Street " 2"" Floor • 1'.0. Box 580 ^ Dort Collins, CO 80522-080 • (970) 221-6775 A Fax (970) 221-6707
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7. If a service/provider does not accept a debit card, how does the reimbursable
service get reimbursed to the employee?
8. If no debit card, what format do you use for accepting and reimbursing claims?
9. What is the process used for Dependent Care reimbursements?
10. How often do you need to be notified of terminations? What is your policy for
reimbursements submittals after termination (deadline date, etc.)?
11. Can your systems accommodate the 14'h month eligible reimbursement
extension?
Customer Service/Account Management
1. Please provide the location of the customer service unit that would be assigned
to our client. Will there be a dedicated person assigned to the client?
2. Provide a complete list of customer service and account management services
you provide for FSA administration.
3. Do you provide a toll -free number for employee questions?
4. What are the proposed days and hours of operation staffed by live customer
service representatives for the customer service unit?
5. Please provide the number of staff members employed full time within the
company.
6. How can participants access up-to-the-minute status of their account? Web?
800#?
7. Please provide the most recent calendar year results for the administration office
that will be administering our clients claims for:
— Average speed of answer
— Call abandonment rates
— Total number of calls received
8. How is an employee notified of an ineligible reimbursement? How is the
ineligible reimbursement reconciled?
9. What is the turnaround time for reimbursements?
Implementation Services
1. Describe your overall account management services during the implementation.
Will the same person be responsible for servicing our client once the
implementation is complete?
2. Provide a copy of your proposed implementation timetable with a January 1,
2007 implementation date.
3. Will a Client Administration Manual will be included with implementation?
4. What are your implementation costs?
Data Reporting Capabilities
1. What data is required from an employer initially and on a monthly basis to
maintain your account systems?
2. In what format can you receive and transmit eligibility data including additions
and deletions?
3. Are you able to furnish monthly reports or electronic files for payment status?
What is included in these reports?
4. Do you have any limitations with electronic payroll systems? Please describe
your technology capabilities.
5. What is your timeframe for receiving annual open enrollment processing dates?
6. Do you require Social Security # or can you accept other ID #s?
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Describe the security parameters for your systems both for the employer and the
employees (ex: passwords). Do you require an email address for online
access?
Do you provide employer and employee statements if no online or phone access
available?
Communications
1. What employee communication materials are provided?
2. Is printing and distribution of materials included or is there an additional cost? If
so, please list all that apply.
3. Do you provide any of the following (include examples of materials,
reimbursement statements, etc.):
• Plan Documents
• Summary Plan Description
• Enrollment kits
• Claim forms
• Explanation of Benefits/Statements
• Other communication materials
Is there an additional charge for any of these services?
4. Are you available and willing to attend open enrollment meetings? Is there an
extra cost?
Quality Assurance/Compliance/Financial
1. Describe your quality control and audit procedures.
2. Please confirm that your organization administers all programs according to all
federal laws. How do you stay informed of and implement changes to reflect the
laws/regulations?
3. Do you provide clients with legislative updates? If so, how do you obtain this
information and how do you disseminate it to the client?
4. What amount of general professional and liability insurance do you maintain?
5. What is your rate guarantee? Are you willing to provide rate caps if you cannot
provide a multi -year rate guarantee?
6. Provide an outline of your performance guarantees.
7. Provide a minimum of 3 references.
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Review and Assessment
Professional firms will be evaluated on the following criteria. These criteria will be the basis for
review of the written proposals and interview session.
The rating scale shall be from 1 to 5, with 1 being a poor rating, 3 being an average rating, and
5 being an outstanding rating.
WEIGHTING
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
FACTOR
2.0
Scope of Proposal
Does the proposal show an understanding of the
project objective, methodology to be used and
results that are desired from the project?
2.0
Assigned Personnel
Do the persons who will be working on the project
have the necessary skills? Are sufficient people of
the requisite skills assigned to the project?
1.0
Availability
Can the work be completed in the necessary time?
Can the target start and completion dates be met?
Are other qualified personnel available to assist in
meeting the project schedule if required? Is the
project team available to attend meetings as
required by the Scope of Work?
1.0
Motivation
Is the firm interested and are they capable of doing
the work in the required time frame?
2.0
Cost and
Do the proposed cost and work hours compare
Work Hours
favorably with the project Manager's estimate? Are
the work hours presented reasonable for the effort
required in each project task or phase?
2.0
Firm Capability
Does the firm have the support capabilities the
assigned personnel require? Has the firm done
previous projects of this type and scope?
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Reference Evaluation (Top Ranked Firm)
The project Manager will check references using the following criteria. The evaluation rankings
will be labeled Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
Overall Performance
Would you hire this Professional again? Did
they show the skills required by this project?
Timetable
Was the original Scope of Work completed
within the specified time? Were interim
deadlines met in a timely manner?
Completeness
Was the Professional responsive to client
needs; did the Professional anticipate
problems? Were problems solved quickly and
effectively?
Budget
Was the original Scope of Work completed
within the project budget?
Job Knowledge
a) If a study, did it meet the Scope of Work?
b) If Professional administered a construction
contract, was the project functional upon
completion and did it operate properly?
Were problems corrected quickly and
effectively?
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SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into the day and year set forth below by and
between THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter
referred to as the "City" and , hereinafter referred to as "Service Provider".
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations herein expressed, it is agreed
by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Scope of Services. The Service Provider agrees to provide services in
accordance with the scope of services attached hereto as Exhibit "A", consisting of
( ) page and incorporated herein by this reference.
2. The Work Schedule. The services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement
shall be performed in accordance with the Work Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit "B",
consisting of ( ) page, and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Contract Period. This Agreement shall commence , and shall continue in
full force and effect until , 200 , unless sooner terminated as herein provided. In
addition, at the option of the City, the Agreement may be extended for additional one year
periods not to exceed ( ) additional one year periods. Renewals and pricing
changes shall be negotiated by and agreed to by both parties. The Denver Boulder Greeley
CPIU published by the Colorado State Planning and Budget Office will be used as a guide.
Written notice of renewal shall be provided to the Service Provider and mailed no later than
ninety (90) days prior to contract end.
4. Delay. If either party is prevented in whole or in part from performing its
obligations by unforeseeable causes beyond its reasonable control and without its fault or
negligence, then the party so prevented shall be excused from whatever performance is
prevented by such cause. To the extent that the performance is actually prevented, the Service
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Provider must provide written notice to the City of such condition within fifteen (15) days from
the onset of such condition.
[Early Termination clause here as an option.
5. Early Termination by City/Notice. Notwithstanding the time periods contained
herein, the City may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by providing written
notice of termination to the Service Provider. Such notice shall be delivered at least fifteen (15)
days prior to the termination date contained in said notice unless otherwise agreed in writing by
the parties. All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective when mailed, postage
prepaid and sent to the following addresses:
City:
Service Provider:
In the event of early termination by the City, the Service Provider shall be paid for services
rendered to the date of termination, subject only to the satisfactory performance of the Service
Provider's obligations under this Agreement. Such payment shall be the Service Provider's sole
right and remedy for such termination.
6. Contract Sum. The City shall pay the Service provider for the performance of this
Contract, subject to additions and deletions provided herein, per the attached Exhibit "C",
consisting of ( ) page(s), and incorporated herein by this reference.
7. City Representative. The City will designate, prior to commencement of the
work, its representative who shall make, within the scope of his or her authority, all necessary
and proper decisions with reference to the services provided under this agreement. All requests
concerning this agreement shall be directed to the City Representative.
8. Independent Service provider. The services to be performed by Service Provider
are those of an independent service provider and not of an employee of the City of Fort Collins.
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The City shall not be responsible for withholding any portion of Service Provider's
compensation hereunder for the payment of FICA, Workmen's Compensation or other taxes or
benefits or for any other purpose.
9. Personal Services. It is understood that the City enters into the Agreement
based on the special abilities of the Service Provider and that this Agreement shall be
considered as an agreement for personal services. Accordingly, the Service Provider shall
neither assign any responsibilities nor delegate any duties arising under the Agreement without
the prior written consent of the City.
10. Acceptance Not Waiver. The City's approval or acceptance of, or payment for
any of the services shall not be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights or benefits
provided to the City under this Agreement or cause of action arising out of performance of this
Agreement.
11. Warranty.
(a) Service Provider warrants that all work performed hereunder shall be
performed with the highest degree of competence and care in accordance
with accepted standards for work of a similar nature,
(b) Unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, all materials and equipment
incorporated into any work shall be new and, where not specified, of the
most suitable grade of their respective kinds for their intended use, and all
workmanship shall be acceptable to City.
(c) Service Provider warrants all equipment, materials, labor and other work,
provided under this Agreement, except City -furnished materials,
equipment and labor, against defects and nonconformances in design,
materials and workmanship/workwomanship for a period beginning with
the start of the work and ending twelve (12) months from and after final
acceptance under the Agreement, regardless whether the same were
furnished or performed by Service Provider or by any of its subcontractors
of any tier. Upon receipt of written notice from City of any such defect or
nonconformances, the affected item or part thereof shall be redesigned,
repaired or replaced by Service Provider in a manner and at a time
acceptable to City.
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12. Default. Each and every term and condition hereof shall be deemed to be a
material element of this Agreement. In the event either party should fail or refuse to perform
according to the terms of this agreement, such party may be declared in default thereof.
13. Remedies. In the event a party has been declared in default, such defaulting
party shall be allowed a period of ten (10) days within which to cure said default. In the event
the default remains uncorrected, the party declaring default may elect to (a) terminate the
Agreement and seek damages; (b) treat the Agreement as continuing and require specific
performance; or (c) avail himself of any other remedy at law or equity. If the non -defaulting party
commences legal or equitable actions against the defaulting party, the defaulting party shall be
liable to the non -defaulting party for the non -defaulting party's reasonable attorney fees and
costs incurred because of the default.
14. Binding Effect. This writing, together with the exhibits hereto, constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties and shall be binding upon said parties, their officers,
employees, agents and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the respective survivors, heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns of said parties.
15. Indemnity/Insurance. a. The Service Provider agrees to indemnify and save
harmless the City, its officers, agents and employees against and from any and all actions,
suits, claims, demands or liability of any character whatsoever brought or asserted for injuries to
or death of any person or persons, or damages to property arising out of, result from or
occurring in connection with the performance of any service hereunder.
b. The Service Provider shall take all necessary precautions in performing the work
hereunder to prevent injury to persons and property.
c. Without limiting any of the Service Provider's obligations hereunder, the Service
Provider shall provide and maintain insurance coverage naming the City as an additional
insured under this Agreement of the type and with the limits specified within Exhibit ,
consisting of ( ) pages[s), attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
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reference. The Service Provider before commencing services hereunder, shall deliver to the
City's Director of Purchasing and Risk Management, P. O. Box 580 Fort Collins, Colorado
80522 one copy of a certificate evidencing the insurance coverage required from an insurance
company acceptable to the City.
16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with all Exhibits and other documents
incorporated herein, shall constitute the entire Agreement of the parties. Covenants or
representations not contained in this Agreement shall not be binding on the parties.
17. Law/Severability. The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern the construction
interpretation, execution and enforcement of this Agreement. In the event any provision of this
Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such
holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Assistant City Attorney
CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
a municipal corporation
By:
James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing and Risk Management
Date:
By:
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PRINT NAME
CORPORATE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT
Date:
ATTEST: (Corporate Seal)
CORPORATE SECRETARY
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4. Reference RFP page 9, Availability, Standard:
The standard for evaluation references a Scope of Work which is not included
with the solicitation. Is this being provided in a separate document?
There is no separate Scope of Work document. The program details and services
requested are included in the RFP document.
5. When did the City begin its FSA program and why is the City considering
outsourcing FSA administration to a TPA?
Unknown — the process is done manually in-house and City is looking for ways to
automate the process and to better utilize staff resources.
6. What is the City's current average claims turnaround time for FSA customers?
(Date claim received until date payment issued)?
Process claims on a bi-weekly timeframe to be reimbursed on paychecks.
7. You indicate that retirees are provided coverage. Please confirm that any
potential actuarial work associated with GASB 45 post -employment health
liabilities is not to be included in our proposed fee.
Retirees not eligible for the Flexible Spending Account election — not applicable.
8. Reference RFP page 6, under General Administration, Question #2 "is your FSA
system automated?"
Clarify the intent of this question. Is this referring to debit card administration or
asking if the proposing firm can receive claims from the City's health insurance
provider? Or is something else intended?
The current system is a manual process where employees have to fill out a claim
form, attach receipts, and mail the information. Intent of question is to determine
if vendor can provide automated processes such as debit cards, reimburse claims
received electronically from the City's health insurance provider, online
submittals, etc.
9. Reference RFP page 8, under Communications, Question #4:
What length of time awarded vendor expected to be onsite for open
enrollment meetings?
City holds several open enrollment meetings at key locations throughout the city
over a two week time frame, usually in October/November. This can be discussed
with selected vendor.
10. Is the awarded FSA vendor responsible for COBRA administration for health care
FSA or will the City administer?
Depends - please answer the question as to whether you have the capability to
perform this function or not. Could include in proposal as a separate service with
a separate cost if offered.
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EXHIBIT B
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The Service Provider will provide, from insurance companies acceptable to the City, the
insurance coverage designated hereinafter and pay all costs. Before commencing work under
this bid, the Service Provider shall furnish the City with certificates of insurance showing the
type, amount, class of operations covered, effective dates and date of expiration of policies, and
containing substantially the following statement:
"The insurance evidenced by this Certificate will not be cancelled or materially altered,
except after ten (10) days written notice has been received by the City of Fort Collins."
In case of the breach of any provision of the Insurance Requirements, the City, at its option,
may take out and maintain, at the expense of the Service Provider, such insurance as the City
may deem proper and may deduct the cost of such insurance from any monies which may be
due or become due the Service Provider under this Agreement. The City, its officers, agents
and employees shall be named as additional insureds on the Service Provider's general liability
and automobile liability insurance policies for any claims arising out of work performed under
this Agreement.
2. Insurance coverages shall be as follows:
A. Workers' Compensation & Employer's Liability. The Service Provider shall
maintain during the life of this Agreement for all of the Service Provider's employees
engaged in work performed under this agreement:
Workers' Compensation insurance with statutory limits as required by
Colorado law.
2. Employer's Liability insurance with limits of $100,000 per accident,
$500,000 disease aggregate, and $100,000 disease each employee.
B. Commercial General & Vehicle Liability. The Service Provider shall maintain
during the life of this Agreement such commercial general liability and automobile liability
insurance as will provide coverage for damage claims of personal injury, including
accidental death, as well as for claims for property damage, which may arise directly or
indirectly from the performance of work under this Agreement. Coverage for property
damage shall be on a "broad form" basis. The amount of insurance for each coverage,
Commercial General and Vehicle, shall not be less than $500,000 combined single limits
for bodily injury and property damage.
In the event any work is performed by a subcontractor, the Service Provider shall be
responsible for any liability directly or indirectly arising out of the work performed under
this Agreement by a subcontractor, which liability is not covered by the subcontractor's
insurance.
2/9/00
11. Reference RFP page 1, concerning the following statement:
"Single services as well as multiple service providers are encouraged to respond.
Proposers may bid on one or multiple services."
Q: When you say "Multi -Service Providers" are you referring to Medical
Reimbursement as well as Dependent Care Reimbursement?
I just wanted to confirm that versus "Multiple -Service Providers" meaning
services beyond flexible spending.
RFP is only for the City's Flexible Spending Account Reimbursement Programs.
City's preference is to select one vendor to administer both the Medical and
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Reimbursement Programs. However,
vendors preferring to administer only one or the other program may submit
proposals.
12. Can you give me an idea on what your buying criteria will be based on?
Preferably the top 3 criteria in order of importance.
Selection will be based on criteria listed in the RFP document.
Change to Section II A- Confidentiality:
Section mentions "and accompanying appendices".
However, no appendices are included in this RFP
Change to Section II B- Timetable:
Appendices sent to organizations that
have returned Business Associate
Agreements
NIA -No Appendices
( was: As agreements are returned to the
Cit of Fort Collins
Written questions due to The City
July 26, 2006
Proposals due to The City
August 2, 2006 3:00 P.M.
Finalist vendors notified
August 16, 2006
was: Au ust 9, 2006
Onsite evaluations of finalists (if
necessary)
August 28, 2006
was: Au ust 16, 2006
Finalist negotiations (completed)
September 15, 2006
Plan effective date
January 1, 2007
NOTE: RECEIPT OF THIS ADDENDUM MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY A
WRITTEN STATEMENT ENCLOSED WITH THE BID/QUOTE STATING THAT
THIS ADDENDUM HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
Page 3 of 3
K,
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
P1031 Flexible Spending Account Administrator
C itv of Fort Collins
The City of Fort Collins is seeking proposals from firms reflecting fees for administering a full -service
Flexible Spending Account Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Program for participating
employees.
Single service as well as multiple service providers are encouraged to respond. Proposers may bid
on one or multiple services.
Proposals are being solicited by the City to obtain the most competitive benefits for its employees and
their eligible dependents. Currently, the City of Fort Collins administers these reimbursement
programs in-house. There is no TPA currently involved in any part of the process.
Written proposals, six (6) copies, will be received at the City of Fort Collins Purchasing Division, 215
North Mason St., 2nd Floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Proposals will be received before 3:00 p.m.
(our clock), on August 2, 2006. Reference proposal number P1031. If delivered, send to 215 North
Mason Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. If mailed, the address is P.O. Box 580, Fort
Collins, 80522-0580.
Questions concerning the scope of the project should be directed to Amy Sharkey, Compensation
and Benefits Manager, phone: (970) 416-272, e-mail: asharkey@fcgov.com
Questions regarding proposal submittal or process should be directed to David Carey, CPPB, Buyer,
phone: (970) 416-2191, e-mail: dcarey@fcgov.com
A copy of the Proposal may be obtained as follows:
1. Download the Proposal/Bid from the BuySpeed Webpage,
htti)s:llsecure2.fcqov.com/bso/login.6si)
2. Come by Purchasing at 215 North Mason St., 2"d Floor, Fort Collins, and request a
copy of the Bid.
Sales Prohibited/Conflict of Interest: No officer, employee, or member of City Council, shall have a
financial interest in the sale to the City of any real or personal property, equipment, material, supplies
or services where such officer or employee exercises directly or indirectly any decision -making
authority concerning such sale or any supervisory authority over the services to be rendered. This
rule also applies to subcontracts with the City. Soliciting or accepting any gift, gratuity favor,
entertainment, kickback or any items of monetary value from any person who has or is seeking to do
business with the City of Fort Collins is prohibited.
Collusive or sham proposals: Any proposal deemed to be collusive or a sham proposal will be
rejected and reported to authorities as such. Your authorized signature of this proposal assures that
such proposal is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal.
The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive any
irregularities or informalities.
Sincerely,
James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing & Risk Management
215 North Mason Street " 2"" Floor " P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 " (970) 221-6775 " Fax (970) 221-6707 WWWA¢ov.com
To participate in the RFP process vendors need to sign and return this Business
Associate Agreement.
BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENT — SECURITY STANDARDS
This agreement is entered into between
and the City of Fort Collins.
(Business Associate)
Business Associate agrees that it will implement policies and procedures to ensure that its
creation, receipt, maintenance, or transmission of electronic protected health information
("ePHI") on behalf of the City of Fort Collins complies with the applicable administrative,
physical, and technical safeguards required to protect the confidentiality and integrity of ePHI
under the Security Standards 45 CFR Part 164.
Business Associate agrees that it will ensure that agents or subcontractors agree to implement
the applicable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards required to protect the
confidentiality and integrity of ePHI under the Security Standards 45 CFR Part 164.
Business Associate agrees that it will report security incidents to the City of Fort Collins,
Security Manager.
By:
PRINT NAME
TITLE
Return to:
City of Fort Collins
Attn: Purchasing-RFP# P1031
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Date:
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City of Fort Collins
131031 Flexible Spending Account Administrator
BACKGROUND
The City of Fort Collins ("City") currently provides a Flexible Spending Account Medical and
Dependent Care benefit to approximately 1305 active employees. Approximately 450 employees
participate in the Medical Flexible Spending Account and approximately 50 employees participate
in the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.
The maximum annual contribution for Health Care is $5,000 per 12-month Plan Year. The
maximum annual contribution for Dependent Care is $5,000 per 12-month Plan Year. If the
employee is married and files a separate income tax return, contribution amount is up to $2,500
per 12-month Plan Year. Minimum Contributions to either the health care or dependent care
FSA is $120.00 per 12-month Plan Year.
Plan Year is defined as January 1 — December 31 of each year. The City of Fort Collins did not
adopt the definition of 14 % months as it's Plan Year. Currently, active employee deadline to file
claims is March 315t following the end of the plan year, or earlier if the account balance is
exhausted. Terminated employees may file reimbursement claims only for charges incurred on
or before their termination date but while they were a participant; such claims must be filed
within ninety (90) days following their employment termination date.
Newly hired employees may elect to participate within thirty-one (31) days of becoming eligible
for group insurance which is the first day of the month following completion of thirty (30)
calendar days of continuous service.
The City believes that an essential factor in managing the cost/service/quality balance is the
relationship with each of its business partners. The City will view the selected vendor as an
active partner in assuring employee satisfaction.
II. PROPOSAL PROCESS INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS
The intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to confirm key information about specific
proposers and receive financial proposals. The following describes the anticipated proposal
process, including confidentiality, timing, expected response format, and requirements for
interaction regarding questions.
Please note that The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, to
waive any technicalities or irregularities therein, to award contracts, or to withdraw the
request for proposal without awarding a contract. Your response to this RFP and any
subsequent correspondence related to this proposal process will be considered part of the
contract, if one is awarded to you. Under no circumstances are commissions related to The
City's medical benefits payable to anyone in conjunction with this request.
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A. Confidentiality
All data included in this RFP and accompanying appendices, as well as any attachments,
are proprietary to The City. It is for your exclusive use in preparing a proposal and must not
be shared with any other firm or used for any other purpose. The use of The City's name in
any way as a potential customer is strictly prohibited.
B. Timetable
The following is a proposed timetable developed for this project. You will be notified of any
significant changes which might occur:
Appendices sent to organizations that
have returned Business Associate
Agreements
As agreements are returned to the City of
Fort Collins
Written questions due to The City
JuIv 26, 2006
Proposals due to The City
Au ust 2, 2006 3:00 P.M.
Finalist vendors notified
August 9, 2006
Onsite evaluations of finalists (if
necessary)
August 16, 2006
Finalist negotiations (completed)
September 15, 2006
Plan effective date
January 1, 2007
C. Response Format
Proposal must clearly indicate the name of the responding organization, as well as the
name, address and telephone number of the primary contact. Proposal must include the
contact name for local service and account management whom The City can call directly.
Submit proposal, six (6) copies, no later than 3:00 p.m. (our clock) on August 2, 2006 to:
If delivered: City of Fort Collins, Purchasing
Reference: RFP# P1031
215 North Mason, 2nd Floor
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
If mailed: City of Fort Collins, Purchasing
Reference: RFP# P1031
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Questions regarding this RFP are due to The City no later than July 26, 2006. A written
response to substantive questions will be provided to all proposers. The City assumes no
responsibility or liability for any costs you may incur in responding to this RFP, including
attending meetings, site visits or negotiations.
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D. Deviations from RFP Specifications
All responses to the RFP must be prepared in accordance with the Proposal Requirements
set forth in Section III of this RFP. The City reserves the right to refuse any proposal not
prepared according to the Proposal Requirements.
The City retains the right to directly negotiate the finer points of your proposal that comply in
spirit with this RFP and that satisfy The City's objectives for effective, interactive and
proactive claims and network administration. The City may, at its discretion, authorize
Mercer Human Resources Consulting (Mercer) to negotiate with any proposer on its behalf.
The City shall not be bound to accept the proposal with the lowest price. The RFP may be
amended or revoked at anytime prior to final execution of an Agreement by The City.
Any deviations from this RFP must be clearly explained in your proposal. These deviations
are to be delineated as instructed in the Proposal Requirements as set forth in Sections III
and IV of this RFP.
It is intended that you should conform to these specifications as much as possible. Do not
quote alternative plan designs unless absolutely necessary. Quote the requested financial
arrangements only.
Vendor will be bound to comply with the provisions set forth in this RFP unless any and all
deviations are explicitly stated in their proposal.
E. Miscellaneous
The City shall not infringe upon any intellectual property right of any vendor, but specifically
reserves the right to use any concept or methods contained in the proposal. Any desired
restrictions on the use of information contained in the proposal should be clearly stated.
Responses containing your proprietary data shall be safeguarded with the same degree of
protection as The City's own proprietary data. All such proprietary data contained in your
proposal must be clearly identified. The City may use Mercer to review the proposals.
Neither The City nor Mercer shall be under any obligation to return any materials submitted
in response to this RFP.
The City expects to enter into a written Services Agreement ("Agreement") with the chosen
vendor ("Chosen Vendor") that shall incorporate this RFP and your proposal. The
anticipated terms and conditions of the Agreement are set forth in this RFP; however, the
City may include additional terms and conditions in the Agreement as deemed necessary.
SA January 2005
III. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL
A. Proposal Requirements
Your response should be organized into the following sections:
Section I Executive Summary
Section II Proposal compliance letter (A letter signed by an authorized officer of
your organization signifying your proposal's complete compliance with the
RFP specifications, except as specifically noted in the appropriate
sections)
Section III Questionnaire Responses
Section IV Financial Exhibits
Section V Items Included with Proposal (these items should be indexed)
IV. QUESTIONNAIRE
Instructions:
This section is to request additional information for evaluating services you provide that
would best meet The City's needs. All explanations should be labeled and tabbed in the
response to the RFP.
If you are unable to answer a question, please indicate why you cannot. If you are
unwilling to disclose particular information asked in a question, please indicate why you
will not respond.
General Administration
1. What is the core business you administer?
2. Is your FSA system automated? Please Explain.
3. How long have you been administering FSA plans?
4. What is your target market size, and what size groups do you work with?
FSA Administration
1. Can you electronically accept account contributions withheld from participant's
paycheck?
2. Will you provide FSA reimbursements by either check or direct deposit? Can
each participant elect one or the other? Is there an additional charge for either
process?
3. Can you provide discrimination testing for FSA plans? Indicate if there are
any additional charges.
4. What is the minimum amount of FSA reimbursement you will process?
5. How will you know who is an eligible dependent for reimbursement?
6. Do you provide a debit card? If so, which company provides the card, and is
there an additional charge? Can participants elect to opt out of the card? When
is the card issued for new employees and the next year enrollment?
SA January 2005
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