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Life, Health and Accident

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Property and Casualty

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Actuarial

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Request for Qualification (RFQ)

The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID), a department of the state government of Mississippi, solicits proposals from qualified Respondents to enter into a contract with MID to furnish the Services described in this Request for Qualification (RFQ) during the period beginning on July 1, 2016, and ending on June 30, 2017, and for any renewal period as agreed to by the parties upon providing 90 (ninety) days’ notice prior to contract termination date as outlined in the proposed contract. If selected, the Respondent shall execute a contract with MID in the form of Exhibit “A”. The final contract will include a maximum dollar amount determined by the MID to be the maximum amount that can be invoiced to MID. Contracts may be awarded to multiple qualified Respondents as a result of this RFQ.

Life, Accident and Health Insurance Request for Qualification

Please click on the link below to review the Request for Qualification.

RFQ No: 3120000690

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Property and Casualty Request for Qualification

Please click on the link below to review the Request for Qualification.

RFQ No: 3120000679

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Actuarial Request for Qualification

Please click on the link below to review the Request for Qualification.

RFQ No: 3120000691

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Schedule

Task Date
Issuance of Request for Proposals April 1, 2016
Deadline for Written Questions April 11, 2016
Answers to Written Questions Posted on MID Website April 15, 2016
Deadline for Questions Answered and Posted to MID Web Site April 15, 2016
Deadline for Proposal Responses April 26, 2016
Opening of Bids April 28, 2016
Announcement of Award May 6, 2016


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Questions and Answers

Click on a question to reveal the answer.

Question Who should I contact if I have questions regarding the RFQ?

Answer For general inquiries regarding the Life, Accident and Health Insurance RFQ, please email RFQQuestions.lha@mid.ms.gov.

For general inquiries regarding the Property and Casualty RFQ, please email RFQQuestions.pc@mid.ms.gov.

For general inquiries regarding the Life, Actuarial RFQ, please email RFQQuestions.aca@mid.ms.gov.

RFQ No: 3120000690

Question 1) Page 15 of the RFQ instructs that the proposal should be laid out in the "same order" as the RFQ. Which section of the RFQ should we follow to ensure the same order?

Answer 1) The proposal should address the provisions in Sections 1 and 2 in the order provided in the RFQ, beginning at Section 1.2, Description of Services. To correctly respond, please restate each service or requirement listed and confirm your intention to provide the service or requirement as described by stating, “Confirmed”. If your organization can provide the service, but not exactly as described, state, “Confirmed, but with exceptions”, and state the specific exceptions. If your organization is currently unable to provide a listed service, respond by stating, “Unable to provide this service”. Any additional details regarding these services should be provided in your responses to the questionnaire, or as additional information included as an appendix to your response.

In preparing your written response to any RFQ question or request for information, you are required to repeat each question or requirement followed by your response. Please provide complete answers and explain all issues in a concise, direct manner. If you cannot provide a direct response for some reason (e.g., your organization does not collect or furnish certain information), please indicate the reason rather than providing general information that fails to answer the question. “Will discuss” and “will consider” are not appropriate answers.

Bidders will respond to the required contractual provisions in Section 3 and the Draft Contract, Attachment A, by completing the Statement of Compliance as provided in MID’s Response #17. If you do not agree with an item(s) in any section of this RFQ or the draft Contract, you must list the item(s) on the signed Statement of Compliance.

All information requested is considered important. If you have additional information you would like to provide, include it as an appendix to your proposal.

Question 2) Page 22 of the RFQ indicates that part of the proposal evaluation will be to ensure that the "narrative questionnaire is answered." Which part of the RFQ constitutes the narrative questionnaire?

Answer 2) Please be advised that the Narrative Questionnaire referenced in Section 6.1.3.01(8) of the RFQ is the information required in Section 2.3 (a), (b), (c) and (d). Responding to this section in the manner described in MID’s Response #1 will be sufficient.

Question 3) The RFQ indicates that one copy of the Submission Cover Sheet and Configuration Summary is required. Where are those items found?

Answer 3) A Submission Cover Sheet is provided below. The Configuration Summary will not be required under this RFQ; please disregard any reference in this RFQ for those documents. Submission Cover Sheet

Question 4) Item 2.3.b of the RFQ asked for the average number of employees over a period of time specified in the RFQ. What is that period of time?

Answer 4) The period of time would, at a minimum, be the previous calendar year (i.e. 2015).

Question 5) Item B of the Contract (Exhibit A) has a blank maximum value. How will that maximum value be determined? And, is the “contract term” the initial one-year period or the entire four-year with renewals?

Answer 5) The maximum contract amount will be determined based on the following factors: the amount of contractual monies appropriated to the MID by the Mississippi Legislature; and the number of vendors awarded a contract under this RFQ. Please be advised that the Mississippi Legislative Term is currently ongoing and will not be concluded until April 24, 2016.

The contract term will be for a one year period, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. If the contract is renewed, a new contract will be entered into for another year, for a maximum of four one-year contracts.

Question 6) Items 2.3.4 of the RFQ indicates that the proposers shall include an "unconditional agreement" to enter into a fixed-price contract. Will proposers know the fixed-price amount before agreeing unconditionally?

Answer 6) The fixed-price amount is the maximum amount of hourly rate for the work performed by an accredited actuary. The amount of the maximum amount allowed under the contract will be determined upon the factors as described above. A vendor will be advised of the maximum contractual amount awarded to them prior to the entering into a final contract with MID. MID will allow a vendor to decline the award based upon the maximum amount awarded to the vendor.

Question 7) Does the scope of work include actuarial financial examination assistance?

Answer 7) Yes. However, please be advised that financial examination assistance as required under this RFQ would only be for special projects for which state funds are used and would not include financial examinations conducted pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 83-5-207(4).

Question 8) Regarding Bid Number 3120000690, page 22 of the RFQ makes reference to a signed Statutory Requirement Disclosure statement and a signed Statement of Compliance that must be included with the proposal. Those items are not mentioned anywhere else in the RFQ. Where do we find these documents?

Answer 8) A Statutory Requirement Disclosure statement is not required for this procurement; please disregard the reference to this document.

The language for the Statement of Compliance is attached. If you object to any of the terms and conditions included in the draft contract provided in Appendix A, or any requirements listed in this RFQ, please note and explain your objections on the Statement of Compliance. Please have the appropriate officer sign this statement and include it as a part of your proposal.

Statement of Compliance

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RFQ No: 3120000679

Question 1) Page 15 of the RFQ instructs that the proposal should be laid out in the "same order" as the RFQ. Which section of the RFQ should we follow to ensure the same order?

Answer 1) The proposal should address the provisions in Sections 1 and 2 in the order provided in the RFQ, beginning at Section 1.2, Description of Services. To correctly respond, please restate each service or requirement listed and confirm your intention to provide the service or requirement as described by stating, “Confirmed”. If your organization can provide the service, but not exactly as described, state, “Confirmed, but with exceptions”, and state the specific exceptions. If your organization is currently unable to provide a listed service, respond by stating, “Unable to provide this service”. Any additional details regarding these services should be provided in your responses to the questionnaire, or as additional information included as an appendix to your response.

In preparing your written response to any RFQ question or request for information, you are required to repeat each question or requirement followed by your response. Please provide complete answers and explain all issues in a concise, direct manner. If you cannot provide a direct response for some reason (e.g., your organization does not collect or furnish certain information), please indicate the reason rather than providing general information that fails to answer the question. “Will discuss” and “will consider” are not appropriate answers.

Bidders will respond to the required contractual provisions in Section 3 and the Draft Contract, Attachment A, by completing the Statement of Compliance as provided in MID’s Response #17. If you do not agree with an item(s) in any section of this RFQ or the draft Contract, you must list the item(s) on the signed Statement of Compliance.

All information requested is considered important. If you have additional information you would like to provide, include it as an appendix to your proposal.

Question 2) Page 22 of the RFQ indicates that part of the proposal evaluation will be to ensure that the "narrative questionnaire is answered." Which part of the RFQ constitutes the narrative questionnaire?

Answer 2) Please be advised that the Narrative Questionnaire referenced in Section 6.1.3.01(8) of the RFQ is the information required in Section 2.3 (a), (b), (c) and (d). Responding to this section in the manner described in MID’s Response #1 will be sufficient.

Question 3) The RFQ indicates that one copy of the Submission Cover Sheet and Configuration Summary is required. Where are those items found?

Answer 3) A Submission Cover Sheet is provided below. The Configuration Summary will not be required under this RFQ; please disregard any reference in this RFQ for those documents. Submission Cover Sheet

Question 4) Item 2.3.b of the RFQ asked for the average number of employees over a period of time specified in the RFQ. What is that period of time?

Answer 4) The period of time would, at a minimum, be the previous calendar year (i.e. 2015).

Question 5) Item B of the Contract (Exhibit A) has a blank maximum value. How will that maximum value be determined? And, is the “contract term” the initial one-year period or the entire four-year with renewals?

Answer 5) The maximum contract amount will be determined based on the following factors: the amount of contractual monies appropriated to the MID by the Mississippi Legislature; and the number of vendors awarded a contract under this RFQ. Please be advised that the Mississippi Legislative Term is currently ongoing and will not be concluded until April 24, 2016.

The contract term will be for a one year period, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. If the contract is renewed, a new contract will be entered into for another year, for a maximum of four one-year contracts.

Question 6) Items 2.3.4 of the RFQ indicates that the proposers shall include an "unconditional agreement" to enter into a fixed-price contract. Will proposers know the fixed-price amount before agreeing unconditionally?

Answer 6) The fixed-price amount is the maximum amount of hourly rate for the work performed by an accredited actuary. The amount of the maximum amount allowed under the contract will be determined upon the factors as described above. A vendor will be advised of the maximum contractual amount awarded to them prior to the entering into a final contract with MID. MID will allow a vendor to decline the award based upon the maximum amount awarded to the vendor.

Question 7) Does the scope of work include actuarial financial examination assistance?

Answer 7) Yes. However, please be advised that financial examination assistance as required under this RFQ would only be for special projects for which state funds are used and would not include financial examinations conducted pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 83-5-207(4).

Question 8) Regarding Bid Number 3120000679, page 22 of the RFQ makes reference to a signed Statutory Requirement Disclosure statement and a signed Statement of Compliance that must be included with the proposal. Those items are not mentioned anywhere else in the RFQ. Where do we find these documents?

Answer 8) A Statutory Requirement Disclosure statement is not required for this procurement; please disregard the reference to this document.

The language for the Statement of Compliance is attached. If you object to any of the terms and conditions included in the draft contract provided in Appendix A, or any requirements listed in this RFQ, please note and explain your objections on the Statement of Compliance. Please have the appropriate officer sign this statement and include it as a part of your proposal.

Statement of Compliance

Question 9) This question was received after 4/11/16, but the MID has decided to provide a response.

“I’m hoping that you can answer a “procedural” question for us.

Section 4.4 of the RFQ states, “All such questions will be answered officially by the State in writing. All such questions and answers will become addenda to this RFQ; and they will be posted to the MID web site.”

Section 5.4.2 of the RFQ states, “Any and all amendments will be posted no later than noon, seven days prior to the proposal opening date listed on the cover page of this RFQ.” (We assume this date is April 19th.)

Section 6.2.3.02 (Compliance Phase) lists as one of the mandatory requirements: “Signed Acknowledgment of RFQ Amendments (if amendments have been posted).” Given the above, and that answers to questions will be posted on Friday, will the due date for proposals be changed?”

Answer 9) The above-cited sections of the RFQ provide that all bidder’s questions and MID responses thereto will be posted on the MID website as addenda to the RFQ; however, these sections do provide that the questions and answers will be made amendments to the RFQ. If an amendment is made to change the due date of the proposals, proper notice will be given.

Question 10) What contractor(s) currently provides the actuarial services to the Department, and for how long has the contractor(s) provided such services to the Department?

Answer 10) Two actuarial firms currently provide actuarial services to MID: Merlino’s & Associates (January 2003) and Bickerstaff, Whatley, Ryan & Burkhalter (December 2000).

Question 11) For the contract years ending June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2016 (through March 31, 2016): (a) how many rate filings were reviewed by the actuarial service contractor(s); (b) how many form filings were reviewed by the actuarial service contractor(s); and (c) and how many financial examinations were conducted for which the actuarial service contractor(s) was asked to provide support services?

Answer 11) (a) how many rate filings were reviewed by the actuarial service contractor(s);
Merlino’s & Associates - 352 initial filings, 129 objection responses. Bickerstaff, Whatley, Ryan & Burkhalter – 221 initial filings.

(b) how many form filings were reviewed by the actuarial service contractor(s);

Merlino’s & Associates – None.
Bickerstaff, Whatley, Ryan & Burkhalter – None.

(c) how many financial examinations were conducted for which the actuarial service contractor(s) was asked to provide support services?

Merlino’s & Associates – Two.
Bickerstaff, Whatley, Ryan & Burkhalter – None.

Question 12) For the contract years ending June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2016 (through March 31, 2016), what were the fees paid to each actuarial service contractor for all services performed for the Department? What were the maximum fees that were set?

Answer 12) Merlino’s & Associates- The maximum amount allowed under the 2015-2016 contract is $265,000.00. As of March 31, 2016, $198,388.00 has been paid under this contract.
Bickerstaff, Whatley, Ryan & Burkhalter – The maximum amount allowed under the 2015-2016 contract is $96,000.00. As of March 31, 2016, $78,500.00 has been paid under this contract.

Question 13) How many rate filing hearings does the Department typically hold in a year? Is the actuarial service contractor expected to serve as an expert witness at such hearings?

Answer 13) It is very rare for the Department to hold a rate filing hearing. In the last five years, no hearing has been held. Within the last five years the Legislature called for a Legislative Hearing that involved MID, and at that hearing the actuarial services contractor did attend and served as an expert witness.

Question 14) Are the financial examinations performed by the Department full risk-focused examinations?

Answer 14) Yes. However, please be advised that financial examination assistance as required under this RFQ would only be for special projects for which state funds are used and would not include financial examinations conducted pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 83-5-207(4).

Question 15) Will travel to the Department be required? If so, how often?

Answer 15) A vendor may be required to travel if a hearing is held. As discussed in Bidders Question #11, it is rare that hearings are held; therefore, it is unlikely that a vendor would need to travel to the Department for a hearing.

The last non-hearing related travel to MID required by an actuarial services contractor was in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Question 16) Does the scope of the required services include the review of NCCI loss cost filings?

Answer 16) Yes.

Question 17) Are prior reports prepared by the Department’s current actuarial service contractor(s) available for the most recent NCCI rate (loss cost) filing, for one representative private carrier personal automobile rate filing, and one representative financial examination available to help gauge the Department’s expectations regarding the depth and breadth of the services to be provided?

Answer 17) Yes. These reports may be reviewed at the following link:
https://filingaccess.serff.com/sfa/home/MS
Workers’ Comp Filing: NCCI-130248558
Private Passenger Auto Filing: SFMA-129846407

Question 18) Will the Department consider suggested modifications to the Required Contractual Provisions? Will not answering “yes” to the question, “Do you agree to the contractual provisions listed in Part 3 Required Contractual Provisions?”, but instead providing suggested modifications for the Department’s consideration cause a proposal to be eliminated from further consideration?

Answer 18) MID is unable to consider modifications to Contractual Provisions that are required to be included in the contract pursuant to the Mississippi Personal Services Contract Review Board Rules and Regulations, a copy of which is available at 210 East Capitol, Suite 800, Jackson, Mississippi 39201 for inspection, or downloadable at http://www.mspb.ms.gov .

If you object to any of the terms and conditions included in the draft contract provided in Appendix A, or any requirements listed in this RFQ, please note and explain your objections on the Statement of Compliance as provided in MID’s Response #8.


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RFQ No: 3120000691

Question 1) Page 15 of the RFQ instructs that the proposal should be laid out in the "same order" as the RFQ. Which section of the RFQ should we follow to ensure the same order?

Answer 1) The proposal should address the provisions in Sections 1 and 2 in the order provided in the RFQ, beginning at Section 1.2, Description of Services. To correctly respond, please restate each service or requirement listed and confirm your intention to provide the service or requirement as described by stating, “Confirmed”. If your organization can provide the service, but not exactly as described, state, “Confirmed, but with exceptions”, and state the specific exceptions. If your organization is currently unable to provide a listed service, respond by stating, “Unable to provide this service”. Any additional details regarding these services should be provided in your responses to the questionnaire, or as additional information included as an appendix to your response.

In preparing your written response to any RFQ question or request for information, you are required to repeat each question or requirement followed by your response. Please provide complete answers and explain all issues in a concise, direct manner. If you cannot provide a direct response for some reason (e.g., your organization does not collect or furnish certain information), please indicate the reason rather than providing general information that fails to answer the question. “Will discuss” and “will consider” are not appropriate answers.

Bidders will respond to the required contractual provisions in Section 3 and the Draft Contract, Attachment A, by completing the Statement of Compliance as provided in MID’s Response #17. If you do not agree with an item(s) in any section of this RFQ or the draft Contract, you must list the item(s) on the signed Statement of Compliance.

All information requested is considered important. If you have additional information you would like to provide, include it as an appendix to your proposal.

Question 2) Page 22 of the RFQ indicates that part of the proposal evaluation will be to ensure that the "narrative questionnaire is answered." Which part of the RFQ constitutes the narrative questionnaire?

Answer 2) Please be advised that the Narrative Questionnaire referenced in Section 6.1.3.01(8) of the RFQ is the information required in Section 2.3 (a), (b), (c) and (d). Responding to this section in the manner described in MID’s Response #1 will be sufficient.

Question 3) The RFQ indicates that one copy of the Submission Cover Sheet and Configuration Summary is required. Where are those items found?

Answer 3) A Submission Cover Sheet is provided below. The Configuration Summary will not be required under this RFQ; please disregard any reference in this RFQ for those documents. Submission Cover Sheet

Question 4) Item 2.3.b of the RFQ asked for the average number of employees over a period of time specified in the RFQ. What is that period of time?

Answer 4) The period of time would, at a minimum, be the previous calendar year (i.e. 2015).

Question 5) Item B of the Contract (Exhibit A) has a blank maximum value. How will that maximum value be determined? And, is the “contract term” the initial one-year period or the entire four-year with renewals?

Answer 5) The maximum contract amount will be determined based on the following factors: the amount of contractual monies appropriated to the MID by the Mississippi Legislature; and the number of vendors awarded a contract under this RFQ. Please be advised that the Mississippi Legislative Term is currently ongoing and will not be concluded until April 24, 2016.

The contract term will be for a one year period, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. If the contract is renewed, a new contract will be entered into for another year, for a maximum of four one-year contracts.

Question 6) Items 2.3.4 of the RFQ indicates that the proposers shall include an "unconditional agreement" to enter into a fixed-price contract. Will proposers know the fixed-price amount before agreeing unconditionally?

Answer 6) The fixed-price amount is the maximum amount of hourly rate for the work performed by an accredited actuary. The amount of the maximum amount allowed under the contract will be determined upon the factors as described above. A vendor will be advised of the maximum contractual amount awarded to them prior to the entering into a final contract with MID. MID will allow a vendor to decline the award based upon the maximum amount awarded to the vendor.

Question 7) Does the scope of work include actuarial financial examination assistance?

Answer 7) Yes. However, please be advised that financial examination assistance as required under this RFQ would only be for special projects for which state funds are used and would not include financial examinations conducted pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 83-5-207(4).

Question 8) Regarding Bid Number 3120000691, page 22 of the RFQ makes reference to a signed Statutory Requirement Disclosure statement and a signed Statement of Compliance that must be included with the proposal. Those items are not mentioned anywhere else in the RFQ. Where do we find these documents?

Answer 8) A Statutory Requirement Disclosure statement is not required for this procurement; please disregard the reference to this document.

The language for the Statement of Compliance is attached. If you object to any of the terms and conditions included in the draft contract provided in Appendix A, or any requirements listed in this RFQ, please note and explain your objections on the Statement of Compliance. Please have the appropriate officer sign this statement and include it as a part of your proposal.

Statement of Compliance

Question 9) Where to we mail the physical copies of our proposals for the RFQ: Professional Actuarial Services For Rate Review Services under The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bid No. 3120000691?

Answer 9) Please mail proposals to:
Mississippi Insurance Department
ATTN: Nancy Stuart
Bid No.:______________
1001 Woolfolk State Office Building
501 North West Street
Jackson, MS 39201

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Contact Information

For general inquiries regarding the Life, Accident and Health Insurance RFQ, please email RFQQuestions.lha@mid.ms.gov.

For general inquiries regarding the Property and Casualty RFQ, please email RFQQuestions.pc@mid.ms.gov.

For general inquiries regarding the Life, Actuarial RFQ, please email RFQQuestions.aca@mid.ms.gov.

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Physical Address

Mississippi Insurance Department
1001 Woolfolk State Office Building
501 North West Street
Jackson, MS 39201


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