Howard County Office of Procurement PlanetBids #15-2026

Howard County, MD Solicits DPPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Coverage for Employees and Retirees

Howard County, Maryland is seeking proposals for comprehensive dental insurance coverage for active employees, retirees, and their dependents. - Government Buyer: - Howard County, Maryland, Office of Procurement and Contract Administration (including Health Department and associated agencies) - Key contact: Rena A. Agee, CPPB - Products/Services Requested: - Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) plan (self-funded) - Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plan (fully insured) - Administrative services: eligibility, billing, claims administration, customer service (toll-free and web portal), enrollment support, and attendance at 4-5 annual employee benefit meetings - Compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, and Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records Act for any services involving protected health information - Quality inspection, indemnification, and workers' compensation coverage for all delivered goods and services - Quantities and Coverage: - Current enrollment: approximately 4,983 participants (4,660 DPPO, 323 DHMO) - Coverage must be available nationwide - Unique/Notable Requirements: - 15% Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) subcontracting goal for contracts $50,000+ - 1% aspirational goal for Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise participation - Compliance with Howard County's living wage requirements for service contracts over $100,000 - Background checks for staff, geographic network access, and support for multiple county agencies - Rates for DPPO and DHMO plans must be guaranteed for at least 48 months - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; the opportunity is open to all qualified dental insurance providers - Estimated annual contract value: $250,001 to $500,000 - Place of Performance: - Howard County, Maryland (including Columbia, Ellicott City, and other county locations) - Services delivered to Howard County Government, Howard Community College, Howard County Library, Economic Development Authority, Housing Commission, Soil Conservation District, and related offices

Description

Howard County, Maryland is seeking one or more qualified firms to provide DPPO and/or DHMO dental coverage for active employees and retirees. The solicitation includes furnishing dental insurance plans with coverage nationwide, effective January 1, 2027. The County has retained CBIZ as a consultant for this solicitation and requires proposals to be submitted electronically by June 10, 2026. The contract term is one year with five one-year renewal options, and there is a 15% Equal Business Opportunity subcontracting goal.

View original listing