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UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS Procurement & Contract Services

E-Solicitation Cover Page

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. 13P0004SRS

TITLE OF SOLICITATION: Fully-insured Vision Plan Services The University of Alaska is requesting proposals from vision insurance carriers (Offerors) to provide a comprehensive, fully-insured vision plan for all benefit-eligible employees and their eligible dependents throughout the State of Alaska.

EMAIL OR DELIVER PROPOSALS For Physical Delivery of electronic media:

University of Alaska Fairbanks Procurement & Contract Services 3295 College Road, Suite 103 Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

By Email to: [email protected]

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED

NO LATER THAN: October 16, 2012

3:00 PM Alaska Time (FAXED, PRINTED OR LATE PROPOSALS

WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED)

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE None scheduled at this time.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS: not applicable

RFP ISSUE DATE September 24, 2012

NOTE: Faxed or telegraphed proposals, or proposals submitted by any means other than described in this announcement will not be accepted and will be rejected as non-responsive.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS

POINT OF CONTACT FOR RFP INQUIRIES: Stanley R. Schwafel, Senior Contracting Officer

Email: [email protected] Telephone: ( 907) 474-7420

Fax: (907) 474-7720

The person listed above is the only point of contact for any inquiries regarding any aspect of this RFP or its requirements. Offerors who seek or receive information regarding this solicitation from any other University official may be declared non-responsive and removed from further consideration. A copy of this solicitation, supporting documents, and any amendments, if issued, may be accessed from the UAF Procurement & Contract Services Website at the following starting link: http://www.uaf.edu/procurement/community/solicitations/ .

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING Any contract resulting from this RFP will only be issued subject to the availability of funding. The funding source allows or does not allow application of Alaska preference laws.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER Stanley R. Schwafel Senior Contracting Officer

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.uaf.edu/procurement/community/solicitations/

RFP13P0004SRS Vision Plan page | 2

Electronic Signature Page

By signing this document, your company is attesting to its understanding, agreement and compliance with all forms and documents indicated with an “X”, below. Any exceptions shall be explained on the Statement of Compliance Form. Failure to provide the required completed documents in the manner requested may result in the proposal being declared non-responsive. The following reference documents are integral to this solicitation and, where applicable, are legally binding.

Solicitation Support Documents & Checklist of Required Submittals (links)

Reference documents Required forms

Instructions to Offerors Proposal Transmittal Form Professional Services Contract and GPs Electronic Signature Page Insurance requirements Statement of Compliance Form Exhibits 1 - 4 (for reference) Representations, Certifications & etc.

Exhibits 5. a-f (to be submitted) Rate Response Form

Instructions: The documents listed above are linked to a website for access, download and

review. Complete all forms, where required, and submit them as described below. If there are questions regarding format, please contact the responsible procurement officer listed on the cover page.

Organize proposal documents as follows: Prepare, save, and submit the proposal as two Adobe PDF files: one PDF file containing the Technical (written narrative) Proposal together with all required forms and other documents, and a second PDF file containing the Rate Response Form and any rate/price related supporting information.

Proposal Transmittal

Form

Statement of Compliance

Form

Electronic Signature

Page

OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

PART A (submit one pdf)REQUIRED FORMS TO BE SUBMITTED

PART B (submit a second pdf)

Representations, Certifications &

Statement of Bidders/Offerors

Form

State of Alaska Business Licenseis REQUIRED at

the time of proposal

submission

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

with responses to ALL questions

RATE RESPONSE

FORM

Proposals will be accepted ONLY in PDF format on the following media: USB Flash Memory CD or DVD by E-mail attachment to: [email protected]

Please list the company name and the name and signature of the person

authorized to legally bind the offeror:

Company Name Preparer’s Name and title (print or type) Date

Preparer’s signature:

http://www.uaf.edu/procurement/community/solicitations/solicitation-boilerplate/Instructions-to-Offerors-REVISED.pdf

http://www.uaf.edu/files/procurement/Proposal%20Transmittal%20Form.pdf

http://www.uaf.edu/files/procurement/Professional%20Services%20Agreement.pdf

http://www.uaf.edu/files/procurement/Modified%20Insurance.pdf

http://www.uaf.edu/files/procurement/Statement%20of%20Compliance%20Form.pdf

https://www.uaf.edu/files/procurement/VISION-Exhibits-1-4.pdf

http://www.uaf.edu/procurement/community/solicitations/solicitation-boilerplate/REPRESENTATIONS-CERTIFICATIONS-AND-STATEMENTS-revised.pdf

https://www.uaf.edu/files/procurement/VISION-Exhibits-5a-f.xls

https://www.uaf.edu/files/procurement/VISION-RATE-FORM.pdf

mailto:[email protected]

PROCUREMENT & CONTRACT SERVICES


UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

NO. 13P0004SRS for

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: FULLY-INSURED VISION PLAN SERVICES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page Cover Page ........................................................................................................... 1 Electronic Signature Page ................................................................................... 2 Table of Contents ................................................................................................ 3

I. ELECTRONIC PROPOSAL SYSTEM A. Electronic Submittal Procedure .................................................................... 5 B. Electronic version of RFP .............................................................................. 5

II. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION A. Purpose of Solicitation ...................................................................................6 B. General Information ......................................................................................6 C. Faxed Proposals Shall Not Be Accepted ........................................................ 7 D. Basis of Award – Best Value .......................................................................... 7 E. Inquiries/Questions Received Prior to the Deadline for Proposals ............. 7 F. UA Intends to Evaluate Proposals and Award a Contract ........................... 8 G. Contract Type and Kind ................................................................................ 8 H. Contract Term/Period of Performance ........................................................ 8 I. Period of Acceptance of Proposals ................................................................9 J. Negotiations for Rate Changes ......................................................................9 K. Approval of Contractor Personnel .................................................................9 L. Modifications to Contract ..............................................................................9 M. Contract Administrator ............................................................................... 10 N. Contract Contents ........................................................................................ 10 O. Proprietary Information .............................................................................. 10 P. Confidentiality ............................................................................................. 10 Q. Documents and Data Provided by the University / List of Exhibits and Reference Documents ........................................... 10 R. Requirements of Offerors ............................................................................ 11

III. BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. University of Alaska Organization............................................................... 12 B. UA Employee Groups

a. Unionized Employees .............................................................................. 13 b. Non-unionized Employees ...................................................................... 13



IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND BASIS OF AWARD .......................... 14 A. Preliminary Administrative Evaluation ...................................................... 14 B. Technical Evaluation Criteria ...................................................................... 15 C. Scoring Methodology ................................................................................... 15 D. Price Evaluation ........................................................................................... 16 E. Best Value Determination ........................................................................... 16 F. Oral Presentations ....................................................................................... 17 G. Site Visits ..................................................................................................... 17 H. Best and Final Offers ................................................................................... 17

V. STATEMENT OF SERVICES/REQUIREMENTS .................................... 18 A. Funding/Financial Structure ....................................................................... 18

B. Plan Offerings .............................................................................................. 18 Table 1: Current UA Choice Health Care Program at-a-Glance .................... 19 Table 2: Proposed 2014 UA Choice Health Care Program ............................. 19 C. Other Programs .......................................................................................... 20 D. Eligibility Information ................................................................................ 20 E. Dual Employment ....................................................................................... 20 F. Enrollment and Claims Experience............................................................ 20 G. Management Reports ................................................................................. 20

a. Quarterly Management Reports ........................................................... 20 b. Annual Reports (Annual Accounting) ................................................... 21

H. UA Current Vision Plan ............................................................................... 21 I. Minimum Requirements - General ............................................................ 22 J. Desired/Preferred Elements ....................................................................... 25

L. Vision Plan Questionnaire a. Offeror’s References .............................................................................. 26 b. Implementation ..................................................................................... 27 c. Communication ..................................................................................... 28 d. General Documents ............................................................................... 28 e. Customer Services/Member Services ................................................... 28 f. Account Management ........................................................................... 30 g. Claims .................................................................................................... 30 h. Network and Provider Information ....................................................... 31 i. Reporting ................................................................................................ 31 j. Underwriting and Renewal .................................................................... 31 k. Provider Access ......................................................................................32 l. Provider Network Comparison ..............................................................32

RATE RESPONSE FORM – available as a linked document on the Electronic Signature Page (page 2)



I. ELECTRONIC PROPOSAL SYSTEM

A. ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL PROCEDURE

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Procurement & Contract Services department (UAF/P&CS) has adopted an on-line solicitation procedure to better serve the University, vendors, and the public with the following objectives:

• Responsiveness to current business practices through web-based services

• Simplify the availability of documents

• Facilitate offerors responses to a solicitation

• Conserve resources including staff and offeror preparation time

• Enhance communications

• Foster competition

This solicitation document describes the required services and is complemented by reference documents that are listed on the Electronic Signature Page. Offerors should download, review, and print the documents identified on the Electronic Signature Page at their earliest convenience. Documents are organized in two groups: Reference documents, and Required Forms. All documents and forms should be reviewed and those documents that require signatures shall be submitted with the proposal/offer. The required submittal documents together with the technical proposal shall be assembled in the required order and combined into one electronic PDF. It shall be accompanied by a second PDF file containing the Offeror’s rate response form and any other rate/cost information. All reference documentation related to this solicitation may be accessed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Procurement & Contract Service website:http://www.uaf.edu/procurement/community/solicitations/current-solicitations/index.xml.

B. ELECTRONIC VERSION OF RFP

Offerors may request an MS Word version of this RFP to facilitate preparation of a proposal. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Procurement & Contract Services Administrative Policy states: "This solicitation is provided in MS Word format to assist Offerors to more easily prepare a response to the RFP. The Offeror may not add, delete, or alter any language in this solicitation. In the event that there is any difference between the language contained in the MS Word version of the solicitation and the Adobe PDF version accessed on the UAF/P&CS website, the version on the website shall prevail."

http://www.uaf.edu/procurement/community/solicitations/current-solicitations/index.xml

http://www.uaf.edu/procurement/community/solicitations/current-solicitations/index.xml



II. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION

A. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION

The University of Alaska (UA) is soliciting proposals from qualified companies (Offerors) to provide a comprehensive range of fully-insured Vision Plan services for all benefit-eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

(Note: The terms offeror(s), vendor(s), and contractor(s) are used interchangeably throughout this solicitation.)

All Offerors submitting proposals are responsible for examining the entire Request for Proposals and supplemental documents, including this document and reference materials. Failure to do so shall be at the Offeror’s risk.

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE FOR CONTRACT AWARD Contract Award date (approximate): December 1, 2012

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

(NAICS) CODE: 524114

NAICS CLASSIFICATION NAME: Direct Health and Medical

Insurance Carriers

In order to qualify as a small business for this solicitation, the business receipts of the company and its

affiliates during the preceding twelve (12) month period must not exceed

$7.0 million.

B. GENERAL INFORMATION

To be considered, an Offeror must meet the minimum qualifications outlined herein, be able and available to perform work and deliver the required services in Alaska, and submit one (1) electronic proposal (two data files) which must be received by UAF Procurement & Contract Services, Room 103 Administrative Services Center, 3295 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 by the date and time specified on the RFP Cover Sheet, or as subsequently amended.

As stated in the Instructions to Offerors, any deviations in a proposal from the requirements of this RFP must be fully disclosed in detail on the Statement of Compliance Form and submitted with the proposal. Failure by an offeror to disclose all such information as required may result in disqualification of that proposal as being non-responsive and removed from further consideration.

In addition to meeting the requirements for technical responsiveness, which include compliance with all RFP requirements, a proposal may not be contingent upon, or subject to, any other contract or agreement, unless required by law, whose terms and conditions may be in conflict with the terms and conditions of the RFP, or whose terms and conditions purport to govern or supersede those of the RFP.



It is the intent of the University to evaluate proposals and, if it deems necessary, to schedule oral presentations. Evaluations are expected to be completed within one month of the proposal submission date.

This is only a Request for Proposals and is not an offer or order to perform services, and is not a commitment on the part of the University of Alaska to award a contract.

C. FAXED PROPOSALS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Proposals shall NOT be ACCEPTED by fax transmission, by telex, by any printed means, or by any means other than as electronic files submitted as an e-mail message attachment or by physically delivering a USB drive or a CD/DVD to the Procurement & Contract Services office before the date listed on the cover page of this RFP. UA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

D. BASIS OF AWARD – BEST VALUE

This solicitation will be evaluated on the basis of Best Value. Best Value criteria allow for award of a contract to the responsible, responsive Offeror whose proposal, in the judgment of the University of Alaska, offers the best overall value to the University. This methodology utilizes comparison of competing proposals one to another, and permits award of a contract to other than the highest non-price, technical scored offer, or to other than the lowest-priced offer. Please see the Evaluation and Basis of Award section of this document for more information.

E. INQUIRIES/QUESTIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

All questions concerning this RFP shall be addressed by email to Stanley R. Schwafel, Senior Contracting Officer, Procurement & Contract Services/UAF, PO Box 757940, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7940 ([email protected]), who is the single point of contact for any inquiries regarding this RFP. Offeror’s questions and any University responses will become public records. Questions may also be faxed to (907) 474-7720.

Generally there are two types of questions that arise. The first type typically requires directing the questioner to the specific section of the RFP where the answer may be found. At the option of the University, response to this type of question may be given over the telephone; such questions and answers are unofficial and in no case shall an oral response to a question affect any aspect of the RFP process. The second type of question involves clarifying or interpreting parts of the RFP or the intent of the RFP. While the University has no obligation to respond to such questions, this type of question, and any response, will be made in writing. Any written responses conveying material information will be



provided to all recipients of the original solicitation. If any oral responses are given, or claimed to have been given, no person may rely upon them and they will not affect any aspect of this RFP process. Offerors who seek or receive information regarding this solicitation from any University official other than the individual listed above may be declared non-responsive and removed from further consideration.

Note: Prospective Offerors are encouraged to submit questions or requests for clarification.

F. UA INTENDS TO EVALUATE PROPOSALS AND AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT DISCUSSIONS

Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee in accordance with the criteria and methodology described in the Evaluation and Basis of Award section of this RFP. During the review process, the University reserves the right, where it may serve UA’s best interests, to request additional information or clarifications from Offerors and, if the University deems additional discussions or information to be useful and/or necessary to the fair and complete evaluation of a proposal, to allow corrections of errors or omissions. At the discretion of the evaluation committee and the responsible Procurement Officer, Offerors may be requested to make oral presentations.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to make award of a contract without conducting negotiations or discussions with offerors. However, the University reserves the right to conduct discussions with offeror(s) if the Procurement Officer determines that they may be useful and that they will produce the best outcome for the University.

G. CONTRACT TYPE AND KIND

Any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation will be a non-personal services contract with firm-fixed-prices, negotiable when applicable, during the period of performance for which the offered prices and/or rates shall include all plant, labor, hardware, software, travel, shipping, and administrative costs associated with providing the services described in this solicitation. Rate changes, if requested by the contractor, shall be negotiated with the Contracting Officer, Procurement & Contract Services/UAF, pursuant to the terms of the sample contract, Section 7. Herein, entitled Negotiations for Rate Changes. Offeror’s rates shall be effective for the first three (3) years of the contract term, at a minimum. The University of Alaska encourages longer term (more than three years) price offers.

H. CONTRACT TERM

The term of any contract issued as a result of this solicitation will be for one (1) year with services beginning approximately July 1, 2013. The University of Alaska



reserves the right to renew the contract for up to four (4) additional one- (1-) year periods, potentially extending the contract through June 30, 2017. The University reserves the sole right to offer an extension to the contract contingent upon continued availability of funding, satisfactory contractor performance, and the University’s continued need for the products or services under contract.

I. PERIOD OF ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSALS

Any proposal shall remain valid for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days after the closing date for receipt of proposals listed on the cover page to this RFP, except as otherwise specified in this solicitation.

J. NEGOTIATIONS FOR RATE CHANGES

The rates proposed by the successful Offeror to this solicitation shall remain in effect for a minimum of the first three (3) years of a possible contract period (through June 30, 2016 or three years from the effective date of the contract). At the conclusion of year three, the contractor may request a rate change, which will be considered by the University provided the following conditions are met:

1. The Contractor supplies verifiable data showing that its costs of providing services have changed.

2. The Contractor can demonstrate that its other customers similar to the University of Alaska have been required to absorb similar rate increases.

3. A rate increase is requested, and all supporting documentation is supplied no later than one hundred twenty (120) days before the end of the current contract period.

Offerors are encouraged to make price offers for services beyond the initial three-year period.

K. APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

The University of Alaska reserves the right to approve or reject any personnel used by the Contractor in the performance of any contract(s) issued as a result of this solicitation without prejudice.

L. MODIFICATIONS TO CONTRACT

The terms and conditions of any contract awarded as a result of this RFP shall only be modified in writing with signatures by duly authorized representatives of both UA and the contractor.



M. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR(S)

The Contract Administrators of any contract(s) awarded as a result of this solicitation will be the Director of Benefits, University of Alaska System, or designee.

N. CONTRACT CONTENTS

The contents of this RFP and the contents of any offer from an offeror subsequently selected for award of a contract will be incorporated, either directly or by selective reference, into a contract issued by UA, unless terms, conditions, and sample documents provided by the Offeror are excluded as contrary to the best interests of UA.

O. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Proposals shall clearly indicate any information which is of a proprietary nature. Proprietary information must be limited to confidential information as defined in Instructions to Offerors (Public Information). Proposals will become public information after award of a contract, in accordance with Alaska law. Once submitted, all proposals become the property of the University of Alaska.

P. CONFIDENTIALITY

All Offerors responding to this RFP are required to keep all data strictly confidential and are required to comply with all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations pertaining to student’s privacy rights. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in elimination of that Offeror’s proposal and possible litigation. Offerors shall familiarize its staff with, and comply with, all federal and state regulations that pertain to services provided under a contract resulting from this solicitation.

Q. DOCUMENTS AND DATA PROVIDED BY UA

In addition to the documents listed on the Electronic Signature Page, University of Alaska employee benefits information may be accessed at the following website: www.alaska.edu/benefits/. The employee data and benefits information provided with this solicitation is representative of the current make-up of the employee and dependents group.

List of Exhibits and Reference Documents

1. UA Vision Benefit Summary (pdf)

2. VSP Standard COB procedures (pdf)

3. UA Claims Experience (pdf)

http://www.alaska.edu/benefits/



4. UA Choice Enrollment Guide FY2012 (pdf)

5. Exhibits a. – f. (MS Excel Workbook)

a. Top 100 In-network Providers (to be filled out by offerors)

b. Vision Provider Networks (to be filled out by offerors)

c. Vision Benefit Comparison (to be filled out by offerors)

d. Performance Guarantees (to be filled out by offerors)

e. GeoAccess Report Instructions (for reference)

f. Zip Codes for GeoAccess Reports (to be used by offerors to produce GeoAccess Reports)

R. REQUIREMENTS OF OFFERORS

The University of Alaska requires that all Offerors:

1. Format proposals in the order stipulated on the Electronic Signature Page and more fully described elsewhere in this RFP. The technical narrative proposal should be submitted as a single electronic PDF file. (See below regarding Rate Response Form).

2. Answer each question in the order and number that the question is listed. Restate each question, followed by the answer to that question, only. Do not simply refer to an attached document to answer a question. Offerors may attach supplemental materials to enhance understanding of the proposal, but proposals will be evaluated primarily on specific written responses to each question.

3. List the Offeror’s prices for services by completing a Rate Response Form(s) and submit it as a separate PDF file.

4. Fill out and submit a Statement of Compliance form and state that the offer does not include any commissions.

5. Affirm that all quoted rates are guaranteed at least through June 30, 2016 and are not subject to adjustments.

6. Submit the proposal in the form (as TWO PDF files) described on the Electronic Signature Page. All proposals must be received no later than 3:00 pm on the date and to the office address listed on the cover page of this RFP, based on either the date and time appearing on the incoming e-mail message, or on the received time if the proposal is physically delivered to the office. Faxed, telegraphed or other electronically transmitted offers will not be accepted. Failure to submit the proposal on time will result in disqualification of the offer.



III. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ORGANIZATION

The University of Alaska is the only public institution of higher education in the State of Alaska. UA is a statewide system comprising a System Office, with three separately-accredited regional Universities (University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, and University of Alaska Southeast based in Juneau), nine college centers, a separately-accredited community college, and multiple extension and research sites around the State. The administrative organization of the UA System has evolved to meet the needs of the citizens of Alaska.

The University of Alaska was established by Congress in 1917 at Fairbanks, Alaska as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines. In 1935 it was renamed the University of Alaska and in 1959 was established as the State University under the Alaska State Constitution. In 1986, following significant decreases in state funding for the university system, it was restructured from three accredited universities and eleven accredited community colleges to three accredited multi-campus universities and one accredited community college.

UA has expanded to include full-service universities in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau, a separately accredited community college in Valdez, and college centers in Bethel, Dillingham, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer, Sitka, Soldotna, and rural education and extension sites throughout the state. Campuses and rural sites are located in the following communities:

University of Alaska Fairbanks University of Alaska Anchorage

Fairbanks Campus Anchorage Campus Bristol Bay Campus in Dillingham Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna Chukchi Campus in Kotzebue Kachemak Bay Branch in Homer Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel Matanuska-Susitna Campus in Palmer Community and Technical College Prince William Sound Community

(formerly Tanana Valley Campus) College in Valdez Northwest Campus in Nome Kodiak College in Kodiak

University of Alaska Southeast University of Alaska System Office

Juneau Campus System-wide Administration Sitka Campus Ketchikan Campus

The University of Alaska is governed by an eleven member Board of Regents appointed by the governor. President Patrick Gamble serves as the chief executive officer for the University system with administrative offices located on the Fairbanks campus. Chancellors head each of the three major regional academic



units: the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Anchorage, and the University of Alaska Southeast.

The University of Alaska employs a benefit-eligible workforce of approximately 4,460 employees.

B. UA EMPLOYEE GROUPS

a. Unionized Employees

The University of Alaska will be negotiating new collective bargaining agreements with its current labor unions during the next eighteen months. Another labor union is currently organizing to represent the majority of non-unionized employees at the three main campuses. Employee benefits are a mandatory component of collective bargaining agreements. It is difficult to predict a particular union’s future intent to continue participation in the benefits programs offered by the University of Alaska. It is UA’s intent to maintain uniformity of its benefits program offerings across bargaining unit employees, as much as possible. Over the next five years, negotiations with one or more bargaining units representing University employees may result in different benefits provisions than those presently offered.

The University currently has four groups of unionized employees covered by its benefit programs:

• Alaska Higher Education Crafts and Trades Employees Local 6070 (represents approximately 235 blue-collar employees),

• Alaska Community College Federation of Teachers (ACCFT) represents approximately 350 faculty.

• University United Academics (UNAC) AAUP/AFT*, represents approximately 920 research faculty.

• The Fairbanks Firefighters Association, Local 1324, IAFF, AFL-CIO represents approximately 10 firefighters on the Fairbanks campus.

*: AAUP/AFT: American Association of University Professors/Alaska Federation of Teachers

b. Non-Unionized Employees

The non-unionized employee group is the largest of all the employee groups at the University, comprising approximately 2,950 employees in the support staff, administrative professional and technical staff, and the executive staff classifications. This group will be participating in the benefit programs offered by the University.



IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND BASIS OF AWARD

Proposals will be subjected to a preliminary administrative compliance determination and, if in compliance, will be forwarded to an evaluation committee. Proposals may also be evaluated by the University of Alaska’s benefits consulting services firm, Lockton Companies.

Award of a contract may be made, pending availability of funding, to the responsive, responsible Offeror whose proposal receives the highest total number of evaluation points for the statement of services and requirements described in this RFP.

However, as this is a Best Value solicitation, a proposal receiving the highest technical score may not necessarily be selected. Similarly, the University reserves the right to make award to other than the lowest priced Offeror without conducting negotiations. Proposals that appear to be unrealistic in terms of program commitments, price, or that reflect an inherent lack of understanding of the complexity and risks of the proposed contractual requirements, may be removed from further consideration.

A. PRELIMINARY ADMINISTRATIVE EVALUATION

All proposals will be evaluated to determine if they are responsive to the administrative and submittal requirements as to form, format, and substance. This administrative evaluation, performed by the responsible Procurement Officer, will determine that:

1. The proposal was received prior to the deadline.

2. The proposal was submitted in the correct format.

3. The correct forms (electronic files) were submitted in the required order (as described on the Electronic Signature Page): one electronic file containing the technical proposal AND ALL REQUIRED SUBMITTAL FORMS, and a second electronic file containing the Rate Response Form and MSExcel spreadsheets described in the RFP.

4. Proposal forms were properly filled in, signed and dated.

5. Any other necessary forms are included.

6. All material alterations or erasures to any forms, if any, were initialed by the signer of the proposal.

7. The proposal includes evidence of a current State of Alaska business license WHICH IS REQUIRED BY STATE OF ALASKA LAW AT THE PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL DEADLINE.



Proposals failing to comply with all administrative requirements may be declared non-responsive and removed from further consideration.

B. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals that comply with the preliminary administrative requirements of this RFP will be forwarded to an evaluation committee, and to the University’s benefits consultants for technical and price evaluations. Lockton Dunning Benefits Consulting will conduct a systematic evaluation of each proposal’s technical merits, and will perform a price/cost analysis. They will generate reports about each proposal’s strengths and weaknesses for the use of the committee.

The committee will be formed of knowledgeable University employees to review proposals for technical merit according to the requirements and criteria described in this RFP (please see below). The committee will serve under the guidance of the Procurement Officer who serves as chair and ex officio member of the committee. Proposals will be evaluated and scored using a weighted method as follows:

Evaluation Criteria for Vision Plan Services

Weight

1. Background Information 5

2. Minimum Requirements/Desired Elements 10

3. Responses to Vision Plan Questionnaire 40

4. Network Characteristics 45

TOTAL: 100

Non-price, technical evaluations of each proposal will be performed independently by each committee member, with no attempt to reach a scoring consensus. The committee may discuss the details and features contained in proposals for the purpose of ensuring there is agreement about what is contained there and/or to clarify parts of an offer which may be unclear.

C. SCORING METHODOLOGY

Each committee member will independently score each technical criterion of each proposal using a point range of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible point score. Each criterion’s points are then multiplied by its weight resulting in a raw weighted score. For example, if Evaluator A assigned a point score of 10 points for criterion 1 – Background Information, above, it would result in a raw weighted score of 50 (10 points X 5 [weight] = 50).



The raw weighted scores of all non-price technical criteria are then summed to achieve a total weighted technical score from each evaluator for each proposal. The total weighted technical scores from each evaluator on each proposal are then summed to achieve an aggregate technical score for each proposal. The aggregate technical scores from all evaluators are then summed and divided by the number of evaluators resulting in an average technical score for each proposal.

Proposals are then ranked from highest to lowest score based on the average technical score of each proposal. The highest attainable technical score is 1,000.

The University of Alaska utilizes a weighted scoring methodology to inform prospective Offerors of the relative importance of the evaluation criteria, and as an aid to evaluators in assigning a tangible expression of the relative strength or weaknesses of each technical criterion. Based upon the scoring results, the University may seek clarifications or additional information from any or all Offerors whose proposals are in the competitive range. The competitive range may include proposals receiving both a minimum score of 600 in the technical evaluation and, in the sole discretion of the procurement officer, achieving a technical score high enough to remain under consideration for award when ranked against other proposals received. This procedure is not a strict mathematical formula and may not be challenged or protested on that basis except in the case of obvious arithmetic errors.

D. PRICE EVALUATION

During the technical evaluation period, the Rate Response Form(s) from each proposal will be reviewed by the procurement officer in coordination with the benefits consulting firm, where appropriate.

Price offers from each proposal will be tabulated based on the total aggregate price for years one (1), two (2) and three (3), and the price offers will be ranked from lowest aggregate price to highest. This information will be kept confidential from the evaluation committee until technical evaluations are complete and all evaluators have completed and submitted evaluations for all proposals. At that time, evaluators will receive copies of the price offers and rankings of the proposals that were received.

E. BEST VALUE DETERMINATION

Following completion of the technical evaluations, and after receiving price offer analysis information, the evaluation committee will consider which proposal offers the best overall value to the University.

If technical rank order and price order differ, the evaluation committee will discuss the merits of each proposal relative to its price and other proposal’s technical rank and price. If a proposal receiving the highest technical score also is



ranked as having the lowest price offer, that proposal would represent the best value and the University may award a contract to the firm that submitted that proposal.

In comparing proposals, if one proposal received both a higher technical score and a lower price, then that proposal would represent a better value. If a proposal received a higher technical score, but a higher price than another proposal, then the evaluation committee may determine if the difference in the technical score between the two compared proposals is worth a higher price. If the evaluation committee determines that a proposal with a higher technical score is worth a higher price, then the University may consider that proposal the best value. If, however, a determination is made that a higher technical score is not worth the higher price, the University may consider the proposal with a lower technical score and a lower price to be a better value.

The committee will continue to make similar paired comparisons until a consensus is reached on the proposal that represents the Best Value.

F. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

During proposal evaluations, the University may, at its sole discretion, request oral and/or written clarifications from Offerors, or conduct oral and/or written discussions with any or all Offerors. However, the University may award a contract based only on the submitted proposals, without requesting clarification and/or having discussions. Therefore, each proposal should represent the best offer in both technical and price offer terms.

G. SITE VISITS

Offerors determined to be within the competitive range may be required to demonstrate their firm’s data processing system, customer services procedures, and reporting capabilities. A site visit to the Offeror’s facility may be conducted by an evaluation team. It is anticipated that a site visit will require no more than two full days of demonstrations, exclusive of travel time. A presentation agenda will be developed prior to the site visit in consultation with the prospective contractor.

H. BEST AND FINAL OFFER

UAF reserves the right to request clarifications and request a best and final offer (BAFO) from each Offeror within the competitive range. However, UAF reserves the right to make award of a contract based exclusively on the submitted proposals without seeking a BAFO.



V. STATEMENT OF SERVICES AND REQUIREMENTS

The University of Alaska (UA) is requesting proposals from vision insurance carriers (Offerors) to provide a comprehensive fully-insured vision plan for all benefit-eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

The University of Alaska requires all offerors to match current coverage levels, at a minimum. However, the University is interested in improving or enhancing the vision care program if cost-effective alternatives can be implemented. Offerors are encouraged to be creative and innovative in proposing alternative approaches and/or other financial arrangements that will improve the quality of service and the value of the benefit to employees and to the university. Fully describe your company’s proposed improvements and enhancements in its proposal. Any additional costs for program enhancements shall be clearly delineated on the rate response form. Do not include any price information in the technical proposal.

All Offerors submitting proposals for vision plan insurance services are responsible for examining the entire Request for Proposal document, including the General Introduction and all Exhibits. Failure to do so shall be at the Offeror’s risk.

A. FUNDING/FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

The University of Alaska currently provides vision care services through a fully-insured arrangement with its vendors. Offerors are encouraged to propose alternative funding arrangements. However, any deviations in the funding arrangements from the current status quo must be explained in detail with a justification of how this arrangement will improve the plan’s finances and save the University expenditures for vision care services.

B. PLAN OFFERINGS

The University of Alaska currently offers three health care plan choices under its UA Choice modular flexible plan. Alternatively, if an employee has other medical coverage and doesn’t need coverage through the University, that employee can opt out of the program and avoid payroll deductions for health care. The University does not offer cash back reimbursement for opting out. Proposed changes for the plan year beginning July 1, 2013 (Fiscal Year 2014) are described in the following table.

(RFP continues on the following page)



Table 1: UA Choice Health Care Program at-a-Glance

Current UA Choice Health Care Program

500 Plan 750 Plan High Deductible

Health Plan - HDHP

Opt Out

Highest payroll deduction;

Lowest deductible

Includes: Medical

Prescription drug Dental Vision

Medium payroll deduction; Medium

deductible

Includes: Medical


Lowest payroll deduction; Highest

deductible

Includes: Medical


Employees may opt out of UA Choice if

they have other health care

coverage and provide proof.

Table 2: Proposed UA Choice Health Care Program at-a-Glance

Proposed FY2014 UA Choice Health Care Program

500 Plan 750 Plan High

Deductible Health Plan –

HDHP

New High Deductible

Health Plan –with HSA*

Opt Out

No longer an option

Medium payroll

deduction; Medium

deductible

Includes: Medical,

Prescription drug,

Dental Vision

Lowest payroll

deduction; Highest

deductible

Includes: Medical,

Prescription drug,

Dental Vision

Lowest payroll

deduction; Highest

deductible includes HSA

Includes: Medical,

Prescription drug,

Dental Vision

No longer an option

*: HSA: Health Savings Accounts



C. OTHER PROGRAMS

The University also offers a disease management program, health risk assessments and targeted behavior modification programs. UA is interested in fully understanding how an Offeror would integrate its offering with other vendors including a wellness vendor and a disease management vendor.

D. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

UA will send a monthly eligibility file (electronic) directly to the carrier (file format provided see the exhibits section). This monthly 834 file is a full participant file and not a change file. During any given month UA will need to add employees and their dependents to the plan via means other than the normal monthly eligibility transmission.

COBRA participants will not be transmitted electronically by UA to the carrier but will be reported on a monthly basis by the COBRA administrator. Depending on the vendors’ abilities, this reporting could be either electronic or paper.

E. DUAL EMPLOYMENT

If there is “dual employment” (i.e., where both husband and wife are employees of UA), they can both be covered as a dependent of each other. Dependent children may also be covered under both parents’ plans. Benefits are determined by application of the Coordination of Benefits provision following NAIC guidelines.

F. ENROLLMENT AND CLAIMS EXPERIENCE

Enrollment and claims experience is included as exhibits to this RFP. As is noted by this document, the University tracks each employee group separately and Offerors must have the ability to track each employee group separately.

G. MANAGEMENT REPORTS REQUIREMENTS

UA currently receives monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for the vision plan. The following types of reports are needed by UA and its consultants for the effective management of its vision plan. The Contractor shall provide (run and distribute to the University of Alaska – preference is via email in MS Excel file format) as part of the Contractor’s cost the following types of reports:

a. Quarterly Management Reports

• Paid Claims Experience Report: A quarterly summary of current month and year-to-date paid claims per plan.



• Claims Executive Summary Report for the vision plan with an overall summary.

• Claims Payment Distribution Summary Report detailing by dollar range the number of claimants and the total amount paid with an overall summary.

b. Annual Reports (Annual Accounting)

The Contractor shall deliver within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the plan year an annual accounting report that shall contain the following items:

• Financial Summary

The summary should illustrate for the year:

- Premium paid

- Actual claims paid

• Financial Reconciliation

The summary should include a detailed accounting of all plan funding.

H. UA CURRENT VISION PLAN

VSP is the University of Alaska’s current vision plan contractor and has been since July 1, 2004.

CURRENT VISION PLAN - COVERAGES

1. Eye Exam – every plan year

• Network doctor: all costs covered in full after $10 copay.

2. Lenses and Frames — every other plan year

• Lens costs are covered in full after $25 copay, and

• Frame of choice cost is covered up to $130, plus 20% off any out-of-pocket costs (if frame cost is greater than $130).

3. (Or) Contact Lenses – every other plan year

• Lens costs are covered in full; no copay responsibility for contact lenses, and

• Cost allowance of $130 every twenty-four (24) months for the cost of contact lenses and for the contact lens eye exam.



4. Extra Discounts and Savings

When visiting an eye doctor in-network, employees receive:

• An average of 30% cost savings on extra services (such as scratch resistant and anti-reflective lens coatings, and progressive lenses), and

• A 20% discount for additional prescription glasses, including prescription sunglasses, within 12 months after the last eye exam.

• Up to 15% off the contact lens fitting and evaluation exam costs.

5. NON-network services

When visiting a non-network eye doctor, coverages are as follows:

• Eye Exam: Up to $50.

• Single vision lenses: Up to $50.

• Lined bifocal lenses: Up to $75.

• Lined trifocal lenses: Up to $100.

• Frame: Up to $70.

• Contact lenses: Up to $105.

Employees may submit claims for reimbursement up to six (6) months following services.

I. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – GENERAL

Following is a list of MINIMUM requirements that Offerors must meet or fulfill in the proposal to be considered a prospective vendor for vision care insurance services. Failure to comply with or meet any one of the following stipulations may be considered a deficiency requiring corrective action or clarification (at the University’s sole discretion), or the Offeror may be removed from further consideration without discussion.

Please mark each box “Yes” alongside each item that is affirmatively addressed in your firm’s proposal; mark the “No” box if any item is not addressed in your proposal. For any requirements marked “No”, include a separate statement describing the reason(s) the requirement is not/cannot be met and a description of any proposed alternative methods or strategies to satisfy the intent of the requirement.




MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS YES NO

1. The successful Offeror (“Contractor”) shall agree to match the University of Alaska’s vision plan provisions as stated in this RFP, the Employee Handbook and the July 1, 2012 Vision Benefit Summary. Ideas for improvement are welcome, but must be clearly and thoroughly described in the offeror’s proposal.

2. The Contractor shall accept, via electronic means, employee and dependent health care plan eligibility data in the UA’s 834 format. Any costs associated with preparing to utilize the University’s eligibility data is the responsibility of the Contractor.

3. The Contractor shall have an existing vision care network in Alaska, and shall have a national network.

4. The Contractor shall have a manual process for adding employees and dependents to the eligibility list outside of the monthly electronic data feed.

5. The Contractor shall prepare and bear the cost of all documents and materials associated with plan implementation, including but not limited to contracts, funding agreements, necessary administrative forms and administration/claim manual(s), as well as all communications with employees, providers, the COBRA administrator and providers required to successfully implement and/or administer the plan.

6. The Contractor shall be responsible (both financially and otherwise) for any vendor administration errors, and accepts fiduciary responsibility for all claims and appeal decisions (urgent, first level and second level appeals).

7. The Contractor shall assist with the review of the plan booklet(s), or Summary Plan Description(s) (SPDs), which will be prepared (text and production) by UA.

8. The Contractor shall develop and provide an ongoing supply of pre-printed claim forms or access to online forms, printing and distribution of identification cards (if ID cards are provided) and network directories for use by the University.

9. The Contractor shall be in full compliance with HIPAA.




10. In the event of termination of the contemplated contract for any reason, the Contractor shall provide to UA or its new claims processor within thirty (30) days of notice of termination all data and member records necessary to continue administration of the plan. The University will make the final determination of all necessary information to be transferred and the media to be used for that transfer.

11. The Contractor shall deliver a final accounting to UA or its designated representatives within one hundred twenty (120) days after termination of the contract to include full disclosure of all revenues, expenses and reserves, if any.

12. The Offeror shall include signature ready copies of any contractual documents with its proposal for UA’s review.

13. The Contractor shall be responsible for monthly reconciliation of eligibility. UA will provide data to the contractor about who is covered, the fee amount for the covered person or persons, and any adjustments for the number of covered person or persons. The Contractor shall be responsible for 100% matching of eligibility.

14. The University will not make payments of premiums for an employee whose employment does not begin on the first day of a month. In those instances, the employee will be accounted for in the following month.

15. The successful vendor shall agree that reports and/or information, which in any fashion identifies the University of Alaska or its enrolled population, will not be sold, distributed, or published without the express written permission of the University of Alaska.

16. The Contractor shall allow the University a grace period of at least thirty-one (31) days for the payment of any rate/cost not paid on its due date.

17. The Contractor shall have a backup system capable of supporting disaster recovery efforts. The recovery plan shall be written and recently tested.

18. The Contractor shall allow a third-party vendor selected by UA to conduct a pre-implementation audit for all components of the program and shall make allowance within its fee structure for the cost of this audit.




19. The Contractor shall demonstrate that its HIPAA-compliant processes are in place to transfer detailed, member-specific data to a third party vendor, such as Disease Management.

20. The Contractor shall accept all employees whom the University declares are “actively at work” on July 1, 2013.

21. The contractor will accept the University’s payment based on the university’s eligibility/deductions report

22. The Contractor shall be fully in compliance with HIPAA and DOL regulations regarding member services, complaints, appeals, timeliness of responses and confidentiality. Any fines related to non-compliance shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

23. The University of Alaska reserves the right to terminate the agreement, with or without cause and without termination charges, with 60 days written notice. The University of Alaska shall be the only party to have termination for convenience rights.

24. The Contractor shall work with and exchange information (assumed format will be electronic) with the University’s other health plan and wellness vendors. Costs associated to develop this capability are the responsibility of the Contractor.

25. The Contractor should be willing to provide monthly data files to the University’s disease management vendor at no cost to the University.

J. DESIRED/PREFERRED ELEMENTS

In addition to the Minimum Requirements listed above, the University of Alaska has additional desired/preferred elements that are important to the successful administration of a vision care benefits plan. Please indicate your firm’s capability and willingness to meet or exceed each desired element by signifying in the either the “Yes” or “No” box alongside each item.




DESIRED/PREFERRED ELEMENTS Yes No

1. The Contractor agrees to produce and issue identification (ID) cards to be received by University of Alaska employees and dependents on or before the first day of each plan year, if ID cards are produced by the vendor.

2. The Contractor agrees to produce and issue ID cards to new employees/members within three (3) or fewer business days of receipt of a clean eligibility and enrollment file. If contractor-related errors or contractor-initiated changes result in wrong information, the contractor shall be responsible for all costs to reproduce and issue ID cards (including priority shipping), if ID cards are produced by the vendor.

3. The Contractor shall provide employees and dependents with the capability to print temporary cards from its website.

4. The Contractor shall bear the cost of a toll-free customer service telephone line to serve the UA’s employees and dependents. The Contractor’s “office hours” for telephone inquiries shall be 8 AM to 5 PM Alaska Time.

5. The Contractor shall be willing to attend any Vendor Summit or management meeting, typically each held annually, to present the quarterly accounting information, review the plan’s performance, identification of short-term plan goals and to develop/refine communications materials.

K. VISION PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE

a. Offeror’s References

1. Provide three (3) current client references similar in size (based on funded lives) and industry as the University of Alaska.

• Include a contact name, position title, telephone number and email address.

2. Provide three (3) previous client references similar in size (based on funded lives) and industry as the University of Alaska.

• Include contact name, title, and phone number.

3. Describe any merger/acquisition plans or other major organizational changes currently under consideration by your company.



b. Implementation

4. Describe your company’s processes for implementation of a Vision Benefit Plan including:

• Timeline necessary to full implementation.

• Identification (ID) card design and welcome package options including lead time needed for prior approval by University of Alaska.

• Claim form design and approval from University of Alaska.

• Participant material production, review, approval, and distribution process.

• Implementation and open enrollment communication strategy.

• Assuming an award date of December 1, 2012, please include a copy of your company’s detailed transition plan/timeline that includes completion dates for each specific task.

• List any start-up costs. (NOTE: All costs shall only be listed on the Rate Response Form).

5. Confirm your company’s willingness to work with the incumbent vendor to transfer data electronically throughout the implementation phase.

6. What resources will your company provide to ensure effective and timely communication of the new program?

7. Will your company provide introductory letters to member homes?

• If so, please provide a copy of your standard new member communications materials. [Is there a cost to send these to the member’s home?]

8. Please describe the banking options for bill payment that are available for the University.

9. Does your company offer an integrated program (one system, one member service number)?

10. Will your company offer an implementation credit? If yes, what is the value of the credit and what may the University use it for?

11. How much time will your company need for banking arrangements as part of the initial start-up process?



12. Does your company require any form of advance deposit during the initial setup process?

13. If yes, the University wants to use this deposit to offset the first month’s premium. Is this acceptable?

14. How often and when will your company bill the University?

15. Does the University have the option to request a different billing cycle?

c. Communication

16. Does your company provide the following services at no additional cost?

• Enrollment kits, posters, brochures?

• Monthly employee articles?

• Wallet cards?

• Ongoing employee orientations?

• Participation in health fairs and/or organizational events?

• Monthly Human Resources (HR) e-mailer?

• Member access to a Web site for educational tools?

• Can your company’s web site be customized by the client?

d. General Documents

17. The University of Alaska does not use vendor enrollment forms; all eligibility information is transmitted electronically. Please confirm that your company can receive and process an electronic file. If not, why not?

18. Can your company provide electronic versions (PDF) of claim forms for the UA Benefits website?

19. What specialty reports are available?

20. Are there additional costs associated with any of these reports?

21. How frequently are these reports available?

22. Are they available on-line?

23. Provide a sample of your HIPAA privacy notice.



e. Customer Service/Member Service

24. From what location will your company service the University of Alaska's account?

25. How many group vision contracts does your company currently have in force in Alaska?

26. Does your company provide dedicated customer service teams to handle member questions/issues or do service center call agents handle claim issues?

27. Will your company provide a dedicated customer service team for the University of Alaska?

28. Will your company guarantee that all incoming calls from the University of Alaska will be returned within twelve (12) hours of the time they are placed?

29. What are the hours of operation of the customer service team?

30. Does customer service have a toll free telephone number?

31. Does customer service have a toll free fax number?

32. Specify the documentation procedures for inquiries to the customer service department.

• What percentage of inquiries is documented?

• Are inquiries updated immediately?

33. Does your company have the ability to videoconference?

• If yes, how would the cost for this service be determined?

34. Describe the capabilities and information available to employees on your website.

35. Please answer the following regarding your customer service reporting capabilities.

• Will your company provide client-specific reports?

• Will your company provide issue-specific reports?

• How frequently will customer service reports be provided to the University of Alaska?

36. What steps has your company taken to assure that your customer service team members are following HIPAA?



f. Account Management

37. What is the current number of clients serviced by the account manager/account executive that would be assigned to University of Alaska?

38. Does your company provide a dedicated account manager?

39. Will your company agree to at least an annual meeting to review plan performance?

40. Will your company provide support to University of Alaska to manage client eligibility and other administrative tasks? Can University of Alaska update in real time on-line?

41. How frequently does your company provide status updates to your clients? What information is documented and provided at these meetings?

g. Claims

42. Please provide the office location(s) where the University of Alaska claims would be paid.

43. How long has your company been processing claims in this location(s)?

44. How many employees are located in this claims office(s)?

45. In this claims office(s), how many covered employees does your company process claims for?

46. In this claims office(s), specify the number of accounts your company processes claims for by employee.

47. In this claims office(s), how many covered employees are included in the largest account for which your company serves as claims administrator?

48. In this claims office(s), what is the average size account?

49. Describe your internal quality assurance processes for claims administration and provide actual results for the last two (2) years.

50. Claim turnaround time and error rate.

51. Payment accuracy and error rate.

52. Describe your system edits to identify fraudulent claims.



53. Does your company have the capability to feed UA’s Flexible Spending Account (FSA) vendor claims data to be used for substantiation of claims under the FSA program? If so, are there additional costs for this service?

h. Network and Provider Information

54. What is the average weighted discount (based on your book of business utilization) in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau?

55. What actions is your company prepared to take to reduce or eliminate inadequacies in your current network service area? Please describe your process for reviewing nominations of non-participating optometrist into your network and the percentage of successful additions occurring in the zip codes relevant to the University of Alaska.

56. Please describe your provider credentialing and re-credentialing process.

57. What is your Alaska provider retention rate and network turnover?

58. How does your company monitor a provider’s compliance with your practice protocols?

59. What processes/procedures does your company have in place to communicate with and service doctors?

i. Reporting

60. What standard reports are available and how frequently (monthly, quarterly, annually)? Are there additional costs associated with any of these reports?

61. Provide samples of your standard claims reporting package the University would receive.

62. Are these reports available online or must they be sent to the University?

63. Are customized reports available through your organization's web site?

j. Underwriting and Renewal

64. When available, does your company use more than the most recent twelve (12) months of claims in calculation of the renewal? Please describe.



k. Provider Access

GeoAccess Analysis

In the exhibits/reference documents section of this RFP on the Electronic Signature Page is a link to census data for current vision plan participants. This information includes employee-specific zip code data.

Based on this information, your company shall complete an accessibility analysis using GeoAccess software. UA will use the accessibility analysis report to determine the percent of employees with access to your company’s provider network, as well as the number of providers accessible to participants. To meet these objectives, the directions for the analysis must be followed.

Please provide standard GeoAccess reports (reporting by specific city and zip code) indicating the number and percentage of participants that meet (and, conversely, do not meet) the network access standard by utilizing the zip code information included on the employee census file. The analysis must include the total number of provider practices available to each zip code.

Your match must include all valid zip codes in which participants reside, including those not in your service area. The total number of employees illustrated must add to 3,929.

Provide these analyses in the form requested elsewhere in this RFP formatted to be read by Microsoft Excel and submit this analysis with your proposal.

Access standards to be used are as follows:

AREA ACCESS STANDARD

1. Category 1 TWO (2) Network ophthalmologists / optometrists within 25 miles.

2. Category 2 TWO (2) Network ophthalmologists / optometrists within 50 miles.

l. Provider Network Comparison

Please provide the provider network comparison match based on the provider disruption file which is included in the Exhibits/Reference



Documents available as a link on the Electronic Signature Page. The file contains the following information:

1. Office Name

2. National Provider Identifier (NPI)

3. Doctor First Name

4. Doctor Last Name

5. Address

6. City

7. State

8. Zip

9. Specialty

10. Network Status (In or Out of Network)

VI. PRICE OFFER REQUIREMENTS

A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS IMPORTANT: All price, rate and fee information shall be submitted on RATE RESPONSE FORM AS A SEPARATE ELECTRONIC FILE along with the offeror’s technical proposal. Any price information shall ONLY be contained in that file. If additional information explaining the prices is necessary, include that information with the Rate Form information, only.

- END REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS -