The City is seeking a consultant that is well versed in the benefits market, has experience in advising public agencies comparable to the City of Independence, and works well with various levels of staff and management. The City is particularly interested in a proactive consultant who can offer creative, innovative approaches, with a proven track record that allows the City to maintain quality programs and contain or reduce costs.

The Procurement Division issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on October 27, 2020, for Benefit Consulting Services. The RFP was published through the Public Purchase e-procurement website, which notified eighty-three (83) potential respondents; nine (19) accessed the RFP.

Two (2) responsive proposals were received on November 20, 2020. The respondents were CBiz Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc (CBiz) and Holmes & Murphy. Based upon the evaluation criteria of Scope of Services, Approach, Qualifications, Proposed Cost of Services, Responsiveness to requested proposal format, References, Presentation and Acceptance of Contingency Fee Prohibition, CBiz is recommended for a contract with the City for Benefits Consulting Services.

CBiz’s overall response indicated several suggestions of how they plan to improve the City’s Wellness, HR, Finance, Continuing Education, and plan on being proactive in managing the health insurance. CBiz’s scope of service indicates they will reduce healthcare costs 10% to 30% through their 3 to 5 year strategy. CBiz proposed a cost of $120,000 annually. Holmes & Murphy proposal was $150,000 annually. They also have excellent prior and current experience working with the City.