RFP 2026-02-4610 City Parish Pharmacy Benefits Manager

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Pharmacy Benefits Manager
Solicitation No: 2026-02-4610
Proposal Opening Date: June 2, 2026
Proposal Opening Time: 2:00 pm CST
NOTE TO PROPOSERS:
1) Submit the separate set of Proposal Forms with all required
information as your Proposal.
2) Retain the complete set of Specifications and Contract Documents for
your file.
Revised 02.26.26 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Background ........................................................................ 5
1.1.1 Purpose ............................................................................. 5
1.1.2 Goals and Objectives ......................................................... 5
1.2 Definitions .......................................................................... 5
1.3 Schedule of Events .............................................................. 6
1.4 Proposal Submittal ............................................................... 6
1.5 Proposal Response Format .................................................... 7
1.5.1 Number of Response Copies ............................................... 10
1.5.2 Legibility/Clarity ................................................................ 10
1.6 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, Proprietary Information .... 10
1.7 Proposal Clarifications Prior to Submittal .................................. 12
1.7.1 Proposal Inquiry Period ...................................................... 12
1.8 Errors and Omissions in Proposal ........................................... 13
1.9 Changes, Addenda, Withdrawals .......................................... 13
1.10 Withdrawal of Proposal ....................................................... 13
1.11 Material in the RFP ............................................................ 13
1.12 Waiver of Administrative Informalities ..................................... 14
1.13 Proposal Rejection ............................................................. 14
1.14 Ownership of Proposal ......................................................... 14
1.15 Cost of Offer Preparation ..................................................... 14
1.16 Nonnegotiable Contract Terms ............................................. 14
1.17 Taxes .............................................................................. 14
1.18 Proposal Validity .............................................................. 15
1.19 Prime Contractor Responsibilities .......................................... 15
1.19.1 Corporation Requirements................................................. 15
1.20 Use of Subcontractors ......................................................... 15
1.21 Written or Oral Discussions/Presentations ............................... 16
1.22 Acceptance of Proposal Content ........................................... 16
1.23 Evaluation and Selections .................................................... 16
1.24 Contract Negotiations ......................................................... 16
1.25 Contract Award and Negotiation ............................................ 16
1.26 Notice of Intent to Award ...................................................... 17
1.27 Debriefings ....................................................................... 17
1.28 Insurance Requirements ...................................................... 17
1.29 Subcontractor Insurance ...................................................... 17
1.30 Contractor Provisions ......................................................... 18
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PART I ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1.31.1 Indemnification ............................................................................. 18
1.31.2 Payment for Services............................................................................. 18
1.31.3 Termination of This Agreement for Cause .......................................... 18
1.31.4 Termination of This Agreement for Convenience ................................. 19
1.31.5 Termination of This Agreement for Lack of Appropriated Funds.............. 19
1.31.6 Assignment .................................................................................. 20
1.31.7 No Guarantee of Quantities................................................................. 20
1.31.8 Audit of Records ........................................................................... 20
1.31.9 Civil Rights Compliance ................................................................. 20
1.31.10 Record Retention ........................................................................ 21
1.31.11 Record Ownership ....................................................................... 21
1.31.12 Content of Contract/Order of Preference .......................................... 21
1.31.13 Contract Changes..................................................................... 21
1.31.14 End of Contract Transition............................................................ 21
1.31.15 Substitution of Personnel .................................................................. 22
1.32 Governing Law .................................................................................. 22
1.33 Claims or Controversies............ ....................................................... 22
PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES
2.1 Scope of Work / Services..................................................................... 24
2.2 Period of Agreement .......................................................................... 24
2.3 Price Schedule ................................................................................. 24
2.4 Deliverables ..................................................................................... 25
2.5 Location .......................................................................................... 25
2.6 Proposal Elements ............................................................................ 25
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PART III EVALUATION
3.1 Financial .......................................................................................... 28
3.2 Technical ...................................................................................... 28
3.3. Scoring............................................................................................. 29
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT A - SCOPE OF SERVICES ............................................... 31
ATTACHMENT B - PROPOSAL FORM .................................................... 37
ATTACHMENT B-1 - PRICING SCHEDULE.......................................................... 39
ATTACHMENT C - INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ........................................ 43
ATTACHMENT D - SAMPLE CONTRACT ................................................... 44
ATTACHMENT E - STANDARD FEDERAL AWARD
CONTRACTOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS .................... 49
ATTACHMENT F - COMPLIANCE WITH THE
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS .............................. 56
Revised 04.24.26 4

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
for
Pharmacy Benefits Manager
PART I. ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Background
The City of Baton Rouge is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and
able to thrive, we are seeking proposals from qualified pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) who share our
dedication to employee well-being. At the same time, we recognize our responsibility to steward public resources
wisely, and therefore place equal importance on cost-effective plan management, transparent reporting, and
innovative strategies that help contain rising healthcare expenses. Our goal is to partner with a PBM who can
deliver a seamless, compassionate experience for our workforce while helping us maintain long-term financial
sustainability for the community we serve.
1.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this RFP is to identify a qualified pharmacy benefits manager capable of delivering high-quality,
employee-centered service while supporting the municipality's commitment to responsible financial management.
1.1.2 Goals and Objectives
The City-Parish desires to obtain project management, grant management and administrative related
services.
1.2 Definitions
Shall - The term "shall" denotes mandatory requirements.
Must - The terms "must" denotes mandatory requirements.
May - The term "may" denotes an advisory or permissible action.
Should - The term "should" denote desirable.
Contractor - Any person having a contract with a governmental body.
Agency - Any department, commission, council, board, office, bureau, committee, institution, agency,
government, corporation, or another establishment of the City-Parish authorized to participate in any
contract resulting from this solicitation.
State - The State of Louisiana.
Department - Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP).
Director - Director of Purchasing.
City-Parish - City of Baton Rouge-Parish of East Baton Rouge.
Discussions - For the purposes of this RFP presentation, a formal, structured means of conducting
written or oral communications/presentations with responsible proposers who submit proposals in
response to this RFP.
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1.3 Schedule of Events
Item Anticipated Schedule
RFP advertised in the newspaper and posted to
LaPAC and Central Bidding and Bids & Contracts. April 30, 2026
RFP emailed or mailed to prospective proposers.
Deadline to receive written inquiries May 19, 2026, 5:00 pm CST
Deadline to answer written inquiries May 26, 2026, 5:00 pm CST
Proposal Opening Date
June 2, 2026, 2:00 pm CST
(deadline for submitting proposals)
Anticipated Notice to Proceed August 14, 2026
Contract/Plan Year Effective Date January 1, 2027
NOTE: The City-Parish reserves the right to deviate from these dates.
1.4 Proposal Submittal
This RFP is available in PDF format or in printed form by submitting a written request to the RFP Contact.
(See Section 1.7.1 for this RFP contact)
All proposals shall be received by Purchasing no later than the date and time shown in the Schedule of
Events.
Important - - Clearly mark outside of the envelope, box, or package with the following information
and format:
Proposal Name: Pharmacy Benefits Manager
Solicitation No: 2026-02-4610
Proposal Opening Date & Time: June 2, 2026, 2pm CST
Proposers are hereby advised that the U. S. Postal Service does not make deliveries to our physical location.
Proposals may be delivered by hand or courier service to our physical location at:
City of Baton Rouge-Parish of East Baton Rouge
Purchasing Division
222 Saint Louis Street, Room 826
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Or mailed to:
City of Baton Rouge-Parish of East Baton Rouge
Purchasing Division
222 Saint Louis Street, Room 826
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Revised 04.24.26 6

Proposer is solely responsible for ensuring that its courier service provider makes inside deliveries to our
physical location. Purchasing is not responsible for any delays caused by the proposer's chosen means of
proposal delivery.
Proposer is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its proposal. Failure to meet the proposal's opening
date and time shall result in rejection of the proposal.
PROPOSALS SHALL BE OPENED PUBLICLY AND ONLY PROPOSERS SUBMITTING PROPOSALS
SHALL BE IDENTIFIED ALOUD. PRICES, IF PROVIDED, SHALL NOT BE READ.
1.5 Proposal Response Format
Proposals submitted for consideration should follow the format and order of presentation described
below:
A. Cover Letter: Containing summary of Proposer's ability to perform the services described in the
RFP and confirms that Proposer is willing to perform those services and enter into a contract with
the City-Parish. By signing the letter and/or the proposal, the proposer certifies compliance with the
authority required in accordance with Louisiana law. The person signing the proposal must be:
* A current corporate officer, partnership member, or other individual specifically authorized to
submit a proposal as reflected in the appropriate records on file with the secretary of state; or
* An individual authorized to bind the company as reflected by a corporate resolution, certificate
or affidavit; or
* Other documents indicating authority which are acceptable to the public entity.
Proposers should exhibit their understanding and approach to the project and address how each
element will be accomplished.
The cover letter should also:
* Identify the submitting Proposer;
* Identify the name, title, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address of each
person authorized by the Proposer to contractually obligate the Proposer;
* Identify the name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address of the
contact person for technical and contractual clarifications throughout the evaluation
period.
* A declarative statement as to whether the Submitter or any member of the Submitter's Team
has an open dispute with the City or Parish or is involved in any litigation associated with work
in progress or completed in to the private and public sector during the past five (5) years.
B. Table of Contents: Organized in the order cited in the format contained herein.
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C. Proposer Qualifications and Experience: History and background of Proposer with related services
to government entities, inside the state and outside, financial strength and stability, existing customer
satisfaction, demonstrated volume of merchants, etc.
D. Organizational Structure: The Submitter's Organizational Structure Section of the Proposal
should include:
* The Submitter's Organizational Chart either graphically or in narrative format. The
Organizational Chart and narrative should provide a description of the Submitters' views on
how it will organizationally complete the scope of the proposed contract, as well as depict the
relationships and reporting structure of its key personnel.
* The names of proposed personnel for each major function on the chart.
* Details of the qualifications of proposed personnel for each major function on the chart.
* Noting that following completion of negotiations with the City/Parish, the Submitter may not
change any of the key members, without the written consent of the City/Parish.
* Team Qualifications:
o Submitters must provide that it has the personnel with experience, capabilities, and
expertise in:
Contracts of similar scope.
Any and all other matters that will establish ability to perform the scope of work
and meet the evaluation criteria of this RFP.
Prior Contracts: Submitter shall provide a list of the five (5) largest current projects the firm has
under contract, (under contract negotiations, or projects that the firm has recently been selected for
by other Federal, State or Parish agencies) that are being (or will be) performed by the consultant.
Required information must include: (a) name and location of project, including name of client,
contact person and their telephone number; (b) brief description of type and extent of services
provided for each project; (c) the contract fee; (d) the current status of the project; and (e) the
estimated completion date of the contract.
E. RFP Compliance: Illustrating and describing compliance with the RFP requirements.
F. Project Schedule: Detailed schedule of implementation plan for preliminary work and full project
implementation. This schedule is to include implementation actions, timelines, responsible parties,
etc.
G. Financial Proposal: Proposer's fees and other costs, if any, shall be submitted. This financial
proposal shall include any and all costs the Contractor wishes to have considered in the contractual
arrangement with the City-Parish.
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H. Veteran and Hudson Initiative Programs Participation
The State of Louisiana Veteran and Hudson Initiatives are designed to provide additional
opportunities for Louisiana-based small entrepreneurships (sometimes referred to as LaVet's and
SE's respectively) to participate in contracting and procurement with the State. A certified Veteran-
Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned small entrepreneurship (LaVet) and a
Louisiana Initiative for Small Entrepreneurships (Hudson Initiative) small entrepreneurship are
businesses that have been certified by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.
All eligible vendors are encouraged to become certified. Qualification requirements and online
certification are available at: Department of Economic Development. All eligible vendors are
encouraged to become certified. Qualification requirements and online certification are available at:
https://smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com.
If a Proposer is not a certified small entrepreneurship as described herein, but plans to use certified
small entrepreneurship(s), Proposer shall include in their proposal the names of their certified
Veteran Initiative or Hudson Initiative small entrepreneurship subcontractor(s), a description of the
work each will perform, and the dollar value of each subcontract.
During the term of the contract and at expiration, the Contractor will also be required to report
Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned and Hudson Initiative small
entrepreneurship subcontractor or distributor participation and the dollar amount of each.
In RFP's requiring the compliance of a good faith subcontracting plan, the City-Parish may require
Proposers to submit information on their business relationships and arrangements with certified
LaVet or Hudson Initiative subcontractors at the time of proposal review. Agreements between a
Proposer and a certified LaVet or Hudson Initiative subcontractor in which the certified LaVet or
Hudson Initiative subcontractor promises not to provide subcontracting quotations to other Proposers
shall be prohibited.
If performing its evaluation of proposals, the City-Parish reserves the right to require a non-certified
Proposer to provide documentation and information supporting a good faith subcontracting plan.
Such proof may include contracts between Proposer and certified Veteran Initiative and/or Hudson
Initiative subcontractor(s).
If a contract is awarded to a Proposer who proposed a good faith subcontracting plan, City-Parish
may audit Contractor to determine whether Contractor has complied in good faith with its
subcontracting plan. The Contractor must be able to provide supporting documentation (i.e., phone
logs, fax transmittals, letter, emails) to demonstrate its good faith subcontracting plan was followed.
If it is determined at any time by the City-Parish that the Contractor did not in fact perform in good
faith its subcontracting plan, the contract award or the existing contract may be terminated. The
statutes (La. R.S. 39:2171 et. seq.) concerning the Veteran Initiative may be viewed at:
http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=671504 that the Contractor did not in fact perform in good
faith its subcontracting plan, the contract award or the existing contract may be terminated.
The statutes (La. R.S. 39:2171 et. seq.) concerning the Veteran Initiative may be viewed at:
http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=671504.
The statutes (La. R.S. 39:2001 et. seq.) concerning the Hudson Initiative may be viewed at:
http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=96265.
The rules for the Veteran Initiative (LAC 19:VII. Chapters 11 and 15) and for the Hudson Initiative (LAC
Revised 04.24.26 9

19:VIII Chapters 11 and 13) may be viewed at: http://www.doa.la.gov/pages/osp/se/secv.aspx
A current list of certified Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned and Hudson
Initiative small entrepreneurships may be obtained from the Louisiana Economic Development Certification
System at: https://smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com
Additionally, a list of Hudson and Veteran Initiative small entrepreneurships, which have been certified by
the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and who have opted to register in the State of
Louisiana LaGov Supplier Portal:
https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg
This may be accessed from the State of Louisiana Procurement and Contract (LaPAC) Network:
https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/LaPAC/vendor/VndPubMain.cfm
When using this site, determine the search criteria (i.e. alphabetized list of all certified vendors, by
commodities, etc.) and select SmallE, VSE, or DVSE.
1.5.1 Number of Response Copies
Each Proposer shall submit one (1) signed Original response (clearly marked "ORIGINAL") response.
Eight (8) additional copies of the proposal should be provided (clearly marked "COPY"), as well as one
(1) redacted copy (clearly marked "REDACTED"), if applicable (See Section 1.6. A USB flash drive
must also be provided.
1.5.2 Legibility/Clarity
Responses to the requirements of this RFP in the formats requested is desirable with all questions
answered in as much detail as practicable. The Proposer's response shall demonstrate an
understanding of the requirements. Proposals prepared simply and economically, providing a
straightforward, concise description of the Proposer's ability to meet the requirements of the RFP is
also desired. Each Proposer is solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of its proposal.
1.6 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information
The designation of certain information as trade secrets and/or privileged or confidential proprietary
information shall only apply to the technical portion of your proposal. Your cost proposal will not be
considered confidential under any circumstance. Any proposal copyrighted or marked as confidential or
proprietary in its entirety may be rejected without further consideration or recourse.
Revised 04.24.26 10