Employee Benefits Consulting, Third-Party Administration, and Managed Benefits Services

The Appalachian Regional Commission is seeking a vendor to provide employee benefits consulting, third-party administration, and comprehensive, day-to-day managed benefits services. The agency needs an operationally engaged partner capable of delivering integrated program management across consulting, administration, compliance, and employee engagement. This initiative aims to reduce administrative complexity, streamline processes, and lessen the agency's operational burden while promoting a sustainable balance between cost stewardship and employee benefits delivery. The scope of work requires the selected vendor to provide third-party administration services for self-funded plans and administer day-to-day benefits operations, eligibility, and claims oversight. The vendor must provide compliance support for the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other applicable laws. Additionally, the project covers delivering robust employee communication, education, enrollment support, technology-enabled benefits administration, and data analytics. The agency requires the implementation of fraud detection, monitoring, and prevention safeguards to protect plan integrity. The selected partner must also proactively manage carrier relationships, renewals, and performance. Only organizations based in the United States are eligible to bid on this opportunity, and all project work must be performed offsite. The agency is looking for proposals to determine the budget for this initiative. The resulting contract will cover a performance period of two years. Bidders must submit all questions regarding this opportunity no later than June 15, 2026.