About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority requires employee benefits brokerage and consulting services to assist with the evaluation, procurement, renewal, and management of its benefit programs. The selected firm will advise on plan design, funding, and cost-containment strategies, while managing placements for medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, life and disability, and spending accounts. Only onshore United States organizations may submit proposals. Bidders must submit questions by November 27, 2026, and deliver final proposals by February 2, 2027, at 2:00 pm local time for a three-year contract. The Authority will evaluate submissions through a two-phase process assessing written proposals on approach, staffing, experience, and fee structures, followed by shortlisted interviews or presentations.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
- Solicitation No.
- 2629
Scope of work
- Review existing employee benefits programs, plan designs, coverage provisions, costs, vendor arrangements, and administrative processes
- Develop and recommend employee benefits strategies consistent with objectives, workforce needs, and compensation philosophy
- Provide independent advice on plan design, funding arrangements, coverage options, carrier selection, and cost-containment
- Analyze the marketplace and conduct market evaluations for competitive proposals, quotations, and renewal terms
- Review and compare proposed coverage terms, deductibles, copayments, provider networks, exclusions, and limitations
- Negotiate with carriers and providers for competitive pricing and favorable coverage provisions
- Provide financial analysis, cost projections, benchmarking, and annual benefits calendar development
- Assist with employee communications, enrollment information, educational resources, and regulatory compliance guidance
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Phase I: Approach and Recommendations | 25 |
| Phase I: Proposed Staffing | 15 |
| Phase I: Relevant Experience | 15 |
| Phase I: Fee Structure | 10 |
| Phase I: Overall Firm Capacity | 15 |
| Phase II: Understanding of Airport Needs | 6 |
| Phase II: Approach and Recommendations | 4 |
| Phase II: Proposed Team and Expertise | 2 |
| Phase II: Questions, Scenarios, and Communication | 8 |
Minimum qualifications
- Respondent warrants that they are an authorized provider of products or services of their submission
- Must not be on the Federal Excluded Parties List (EPLS)
- Must not be an Iran linked business pursuant to the Michigan Iran Economic Sanctions Act, 2012 P.A. 517
Documents to include with your response
- Executive Summary (1 page maximum)
- Business Organization (1 page maximum)
- Problem Statement & Recommendation (12 pages maximum)
- Project Staffing including staffing chart (4 pages maximum)
- References (minimum of 3 relevant references, 1 page maximum)
- Fee Proposal disclosing form of compensation and compensation plan (2 pages maximum)
- Non-collusion certification
Key dates
- RFP Issue Date
- November 3, 2026
- Question Deadline
- November 27, 2026 prior to 2 p.m.
- Submission Due Date
- February 2, 2027 at 2:00 pm (local)
- Contract Start Date
- June 1, 2027
How to submit
- Method
- Physical delivery or electronic upload
- Instructions
- Hard copy responses delivered to Attn: Marissa Norris, Sr. Procurement Specialist, Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority, 5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Electronic responses uploaded as a single PDF document to https://www.dropbox.com/request/hzk2fbz3ozxzkv2fe78u named with firm name.
Contract details
- Term
- Three (3) years ending on May 31, 2030, with options to extend for two (2) additional one (1) year terms
- Place of performance
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Insurance and bonding
- Insurance requirements are posted on the Documents and Forms page of the GFIAA website within the Purchasing Terms and Conditions document.
- Funding
- Federal Government funds may be received from or through the Federal Government