REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS - BROKER SERVICES

White County Board of Commissioners is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to seek qualified brokers to assist with strategically planning, designing and negotiating the best coverage and cost for our comprehensive employee benefit program. The County has approximately 272 benefit eligible employees. Our leadership is looking to ensure we have financially competitive, effectual and affordable benefit programs to offer county employees.

The County does not guarantee a minimum value for this contract.

This RFQ is not an authorization to approach insurers or other underwriting sources on behalf of the County. We specifically request that no insurance market contact or solicitation be made on behalf of White County at this time and that no insurance market reservations or commitments be made for any purpose in respect to any insurance or reinsurance to be provided for the County.

White County views broker services as a direct extension of our Human Resources Department. Provisions of brokerage services to White County under any agreement ensuing from this proposal will entail the following, at a minimum:

1. Auditing resulting contracts and monthly invoices for accuracy of coverage, terms and conditions;
2. Coordinating annual benefits renewals, including negotiation of changes in contracts;
3. Assisting the County in determining specifications for future insurance coverage;
4. Marketing the County's desired insurance package through identification of appropriate markets, analysis of proposals, provisions of recommendations, and assistance in contract negotiation;
5. Preparing, disseminating, and analyzing bid packages in accordance with County specifications, should a formal bidding package for quality of benefits be deemed necessary;
6. Reviewing the employee benefit package for quality of benefits provided, cost effectiveness, competitiveness and plan administration on an annual basis;
7. Monitoring all associated, ongoing contracts, to ensure contract compliance;
8. Analyzing claims history and insurance utilization at least quarterly;
9. Providing information on employee benefit issues, trends and proposed or new legislation;
10. Meeting with the County administrative staff on a regular basis;
11. Conducting new-hire enrollments on a monthly basis through coordination with County Human Resources;
12. Designing and supplying employee benefit communication materials including an annual high-quality Employee Benefits Handbook;
13. Participating in the annual employee wellness fair;
14. Providing a key contact person to be available to answer questions and resolve issues that arise during the year regarding employee benefits, contract administration and service provisions;
15. Providing a key contact person that specializes in Benefits Services assisting employees and families with claims and questions.
16. Providing weekly reporting of necessary benefit deduction changes in order to assist with processing accurate deductions for employees;
17. Coordinating and processing COBRA Benefits;
18. Providing ongoing support and resources in order to submit mandated annual reporting;
19. Providing an electronic, web-based platform for annual open-enrollment, new hire benefit selections and routine benefit / information changes throughout the year;
20. Evaluating various insurance products submitted by carriers, agents and brokers; and;
21. Perform other related consultation services as needed or requested.

**Submission:** One (1) original and four (4) copies of the complete signed submittal must be received **Friday, December 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM, local time**. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope stating on the outside, the vendor's name, address, title of RFQ BROKER SERVICES to White County Government, Attention: Human Resources, 1235 Helen Hwy, Cleveland, GA 30528. Hand delivered copies may be delivered to the above address ONLY between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Submittal must be signed by a company officer who is legally authorized to enter into a contractual relationship in the name of the vendor.

**Contract term:** The initial term of a contract awarded as a result of this RFQ shall be from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. The contract may be renewed according to the terms stated herein.

**Evaluation:** The following point system will be utilized to help evaluate the proposals: Responsiveness of understanding scope, 15 points; Technical Experience of firm, 85 points; total possible points 100 points. Oral Presentation/Interview (if applicable), 20 points; total possible points 120 points.

**Bonds:** Bid Bond – not required. Payment Bond – not required. Performance Bond – not required.

**Insurance:** Selected vendor will be required to provide White County with a Certificate of Insurance for liability and worker's compensation insurance before work can begin on this County project.