Sickness & Accidental Health Insurance Plan for International Students

Invitation to bid to furnish and deliver a Sickness and
Accidental Health Insurance Plan for International
Students for the Enrollment Services Department
State Of Louisiana
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, Louisiana
Cover Page
Issuing Agency:
Southeastern Louisiana University
Purchasing Department
SLU 10800
Hammond, LA 70402-0800
Director of Purchasing: Richard Himber
Procurement Specialist: Misty Betz
Telephone: (985) 549-5414
Requisitioned By: Amber Silessi
Telephone: (985) 549-2360
Release Date: April 30, 2026
Deadline for Fax Inquiries: May 7, 2026
Fax To: 985-549-3810
Attn: Misty Betz
Bid Opening Date: May 20, 2026
Bid Opening Time: 4:00 p.m., Central Time
Bid Opening Location:
Southeastern Louisiana University
Purchasing Department
Property Control & Supply Building
2400 North Oak Street
Hammond, Louisiana
This ITB is available in electronic form at
https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/LaPAC/dspBid.cfm?search=department&term=
42 It is available in PDF format or in printed form by submitting a written request to the
Procurement Specialist listed above. It is the Bidder's responsibility to check the Office
of State Purchasing LaPAC website frequently for any possible addenda that maybe
issued. Southeastern is not responsible for a bidder's failure to download any addenda
documents required to complete an Invitation to Bid.

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State Of Louisiana
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, Louisiana
The Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) Purchasing Department will receive sealed
bids until 4:00 P.M. on the bid opening date specified in the solicitation document. No bid
responses will be considered by the SLU Purchasing Department after 4:00 P.M.
Beginning at that time, bids shall be publicly opened and read aloud to those present in the
SLU Purchasing Department.
Delivery Address:
Mailing Address: Southeastern LA University
Southeastern LA University Purchasing Department
Purchasing Department Property Control & Supply Bldg.
SLU 10800 2400 North Oak St.
Hammond, LA 70402 Hammond, LA 70402
Bids submitted are subject to LA R.S. 39:1551-1736; Purchasing Rules and Regulations;
Executive Orders; General Conditions; any Special Conditions; and Specifications listed in
the solicitation document.
The purpose of this solicitation is to set forth the requirements and specifications of
Southeastern Louisiana University. The contents of this solicitation and the Bidder/
Vendor/ Contractor's bid response shall become contractual obligations if a contract
(purchase order) ensues.
Instructions to Bidders
1) Bid Forms: Per LA R.S. 39:1556, all written bids, unless otherwise provided for,
must be submitted on, and in accordance with, forms provided, properly signed in
ink or electronic signature by an authorized representative of the bidding entity.
Bids submitted in the following manner will not be accepted: (1) Bid contains no
signature indicating intent to be bound; (2) Bid filled out in pencil; (3) Bid sent by
facsimile equipment or email. Price alterations to bid responses received before bid
opening time will be considered provided the written price alteration has been
received and timestamped before bid opening time. Any other alterations of the bid
response form or foreign conditions attached thereto may cause rejection of the bid
response without further consideration.
2) Standard of Quality: Any product or service bid shall conform to all applicable
Federal and State laws and regulations and specifications contained in the
solicitation document. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation document, any
manufacturer's name, trade name, brand name, or catalog number used in the
specifications is for the purpose of describing the quality level and characteristic
required. Bidder should specify the brand and model number of the product

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offered in his bid. Bids not specifying brand and model number shall be
considered as offering the exact products specified in the solicitation document.
3) Descriptive Information: Bidders proposing an equivalent brand or model should
submit with the bid response information (such as illustrations, descriptive
literature, and technical data) sufficient for the University to evaluate quality,
suitability, and compliance with the specifications of the solicitation document.
Failure to submit descriptive information may cause bid to be rejected. Any
change made to a manufacturer's published specification submitted for a product
shall be verifiable by the manufacturer. If item(s) bid does not comply with
specifications (including brand and/or product number), bidder should state in what
respect the item(s) deviate. Failure to note exceptions on the response form will
not relieve the successful bidder(s) from supplying the actual products requested.
4) Bid Opening: Bidders may attend the bid opening, but no information or opinions
concerning the ultimate contract award will be given at the bid opening or during
the evaluation process. Bids may be examined 72 hours after request is made.
Information pertaining to completed files may be secured by visiting the SLU
Purchasing Department during normal working hours. Written bid tabulations will
not be furnished.
5) Louisiana Preference: Preference is hereby given to products produced,
manufactured, harvested, grown or assembled in Louisiana which are equal in
quality to products produced, manufactured, harvested, grown or assembled
outside of Louisiana. The bidder shall state his right to claim the ten percent (10%)
preference in his bid response and the bidder should state the respective Louisiana
location where each qualifying item is produced, manufactured, harvested, grown
or assembled.
6) Notice of Special Programs Available
for Small Business: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/small-business/special-
programs-for-small-business
7) Signature Authority: In accordance with LA Revised Statute 39:1594 (Act 121), the
person signing the bid must be: (1) A current corporate officer, partnership member
or other individual specifically authorized to submit a bid as reflected in the
appropriate records on file with the Secretary of State; or (2) An individual
authorized to bind the vendor as reflected by an accompanying or as provided
upon request a corporate resolution or affidavit. By signing the bid, the bidder
certifies compliance with the above.

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General Conditions
The SLU Purchasing Department reserves the right to award items separately, grouped or
on an all-or-none basis and to reject any or all bids and waive any informalities.
1) Prices: Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, bid prices shall be complete,
including transportation and handling prepaid by the bidder to destination - SLU,
Hammond, LA. Bids other than FOB destination may be rejected. Bid prices
should be quoted in the unit of measure stated. Bid prices shall be firm for a
minimum of thirty (30) calendar days, unless otherwise specified by SLU in the
solicitation document.
2) Payment Terms: Cash discounts for less than 30 days may be offered, but will not
be considered in determining awards. Bids containing "payment in advance" or
"COD" requirements may be rejected. Payment is to be made within 30 days after
receipt of properly executed invoice or delivery, whichever is later.
3) Delivery: Bids may be rejected if the delivery time indicated is longer than that
specified in the solicitation document.
4) Taxes: Bidder is responsible for including all applicable taxes in the bid price. The
University is currently exempt from Louisiana State Sales and Use Taxes, and local
parish and city taxes. An exemption certificate for state sales and use tax can be
provided upon request.
5) New Products: Unless specifically called for in the solicitation document, all
products for purchase must be new, never previously used, and the current model
and/or packaging. No remanufactured, demonstrator, used or irregular product will
be considered for purchase unless otherwise specified in the solicitation document.
The manufacturer's standard warranty will apply unless otherwise stated in
solicitation.
6) Default of Contractor: Failure to deliver within the time specified in the solicitation
document will constitute a default and may cause cancellation of the contract.
Where the University has determined the contractor to be in default, the state
reserves the right to purchase any or all products or services covered by the
contract on the open market and to charge the contractor with cost in excess of the
contract price. Until such assessed charges have been paid, no subsequent bid
from the defaulting contractor will be considered.
7) Contract Cancellation: The University shall have the right to cancel any contract, in
accordance with Purchasing Rules and Regulations, for cause, including but not
limited to, the following: (1) failure of the vendor to deliver within the time specified
in the contract; (2) failure of the product or service to meet specifications, conform
to sample quality, or to be delivered in good condition; (3) misrepresentation by the
contractor; (4) fraud, collusion, conspiracy or other unlawful means of obtaining any
contract with the state; (5) conflict of contract provisions with constitutional or
statutory provisions of state or federal law; (6) any other breach of contract.

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8) Applicable Law: All contracts shall be construed in accordance with and governed
by the laws of the State of Louisiana.
9) Equal Opportunity: By submitting and signing this bid, bidder agrees that he will not
discriminate in the rendering of services to and/or employment of individuals
because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicap, disability,
veteran status, or any other non-merit factor.
10) By submitting a response to this solicitation, the bidder or proposer certifies and
agrees that the following information is correct: In preparing its response, the bidder
or proposer has considered all proposals submitted from qualified, potential
subcontractors and suppliers, and has not, in the solicitation, selection, or
commercial treatment of any subcontractor or supplier, refused to transact or
terminated business activities, or taken other actions intended to limit commercial
relations, with a person or entity that is engaging in commercial transactions
in Israel or Israeli-controlled territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a
boycott or divestment of Israel. The bidder also has not retaliated against any
person or other entity for reporting such refusal, termination, or commercially
limiting actions. The state reserves the right to reject the response of the bidder or
proposer if this certification is subsequently determined to be false, and to terminate
any contract awarded based on such a false response.
11) Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1753.1 requirements shall apply to any equipment
component which enables any form of connectivity.
12) Piggyback: Other Louisiana Governmental Agencies may purchase at the same
terms and conditions if agreed upon by awarded vendor.
13) Prohibition of Companies That Discriminate Against Firearm and Ammunition
Industries: In accordance with La.R.S. 39:1602.2, the following applies to any
competitive sealed bids, competitive sealed proposals, or contract(s) with a value of
$100,000 or more involving a for-profit company with at least fifty full-time
employees: Unless otherwise exempted by law, by submitting a response to this
solicitation or entering into this contract, the Bidder, Proposer or Contractor certifies
the following:
a. The company does not have a practice, policy, guidance or directive that
discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association based
solely on the entity's or association's status as a firearm entity or firearm
trade association;
b. The company will not discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade
association during the term of the contract based solely on the entity's or
association's status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association.
The State reserves the right to reject the response of the Bidder, Proposer or
Contractor if this certification is subsequently determined to be false, and to
terminate any contract awarded based on such a false response or if the
certification is no longer true.

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Bid Response Form
Bidder's Name:
Mailing Address: Telephone Number:
City, State, Zip Code: Fax Number:
Email Address:
Scope: To Furnish and Deliver a Sickness and Accidental Health Insurance Plan
for International Students for the Enrollment Services Department
I/we do hereby acknowledge receipt of the following addenda (if any):
Addendum number and date:
Addendum number and date:
Other Requirements:
Bidder shall include the cost of transportation and handling in the unit price of item
offered -- F.O.B. University, Hammond, LA.
If bidding other than the specified make and model, then the bidder should attach
illustrations and descriptive literature of the item(s) offered to the bid response form
for evaluation purposes.
The attached Instructions to Bidders/General Conditions shall be a part hereof.
To the Vendor:
Whenever brand name specifications or catalogue numbers are used to describe
the standard of quality, performance and other characteristics, the use of such
specifications shall not restrict unless otherwise specified, the submission of
equivalent products.
This solicitation is a sealed bid and must be returned by mail or delivered in person.
Bid response forms cannot be faxed and any fax responses shall be rejected.
Terms: Net 30 Prox., F.O.B., Hammond, Louisiana.
Taxes: Any taxes, other than state sales and use tax, shall be included within the bidder's
unit price. The University is currently exempt from state sales and use tax.
Signature to the Bid Response Form shall be construed of acceptance of the Invitation to
Bid in its entirety.
Authorized Officer Signature:
Printed Name:
Title: Date:

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Bid Response Page
Minimum qualification to bid: The PPO network must include North Oaks Medical
Center, an inpatient general hospital in Hammond, Louisiana, and LSUHSC-Lallie
Kemp Medical Center, an inpatient and outpatient facility in Independence,
Louisiana, within a 10-mile radius of Southeastern Louisiana University, for the
life of the contract period unless any change that becomes necessary is agreed
to in writing by the University.
BASE BID: SICKNESS and ACCIDENTAL INSURANCE,
meeting Affordable Care Act
Mandated for International Students with hard waiver for a one (1) year period
from August 12, 2026 through August 11, 2027 in compliance with your
invitation for Bids, the undersigned having read and examined all of the
specifications for the Plan, hereby proposes to furnish Student Health Insurance
during the 2026-2027 school year for the Students Southeastern Louisiana
University as called by said documents for the sum of:
Student Coverage (per enrolled student):
Premium rates must be consistent for all groups without age limits.
Fall Semester Coverage only:
Level of Coverage Unit Weight Subtotal
Student Only 100
Student & Spouse 1
Student, Spouse, & Child(ren) 1
Student & Child(ren) 1
Total

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Spring Semester Coverage only:
Level of Coverage Unit Weight Subtotal
Student Only 100
Student & Spouse 1
Student, Spouse, & Child(ren) 1
Student & Child(ren) 1
Total
Summer Semester Coverage only:
Level of Coverage Unit Weight Subtotal
Student Only 100
Student & Spouse 1
Student, Spouse, & Child(ren) 1
Student & Child(ren) 1
Total
Dependent Coverage: Voluntary basis on the part of each student. (The following will
not be used in calculating the low bid.)
I/We propose to furnish sickness and accidental insurance coverage to the spouse
and/or dependent children of the insured international students at the Southeastern
Louisiana University, according to the schedule.
All quoted prices to remain firm for the length of the contract.
Is this policy compliant with the Affordable Care Act Federal Rules and
Regulations?
Yes___ No___
Bidder's Initials: Date:

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SPECIFICATIONS
Objective: To provide sickness and accidental insurance coverage that meets the
requirements as set by the Federal Health Care legislation for the international students
of Southeastern Louisiana University beginning August 12, 2026.
Base Bid: Sickness and Accidental Insurance, meeting Affordable Care Act
Specifications
Mandated for F-1 International Students with hard waiver, available for J-1 exchange
visitor.
For a one (1) year period from August 12, 2026 through August 11, 2027.
QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS:
The Bidder shall submit, as part of this bid, proof of the following:
1. Evidence of successful operation in providing insurance coverage at other
universities for at least the last five (5) years.
2. Evidence of sufficient net worth to be able to meet the requirements of the plan
as outlined.
3. A list of Universities and Colleges which are served at the present time, with the
number of students insured at each institution.
4. A list of Universities and Colleges to whom the bidder as provided sickness and
accidental insurance for international students.
5. Best's Key Rating Guide rating of A- or better, which includes A, A+, and A++.
6. Evidence the insurance company is authorized to do business in the State of
Louisiana.
7. Evidence the insurance company is authorized to do insurance business in the
State of Louisiana.
8. Evidence the following information pertaining to the Managing General Agency
(MGA) is stated:
a. Years in business writing this program;
b. Number of years MGA has used present insurance carrier in the program.
9. "Insurance Company Declaration" as outlined below.

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Insurance Company Declaration:
Please reply to the following. All items must be answered and all forms requested must
be submitted with bid.
1) Name of insurance company
2) Insurance company's address
3) Insurance company's telephone number, toll free and/or collect
4) Best's policyholder's rating
5) Best's financial size category classification
6) List of each university or college insured during previous school year and attach a
separate form listing the name for each university or college; approximate
premium volume for each university or college; and the name and title of the
administrator at each school responsible for the student health program. Denote
those schools, which have been insured for three (3) years or more. Individual
schools may be contacted.
7) If the insurance company is paying claims, please provide/answer the following:
a. List the location of the office where claims will be paid;
b. List the name, title, telephone number, and years of experience in
administering student claims, of the persons responsible for the claim
service;
c. List toll free number or a number that can be used to call collect by the
University in reference to any claim, questions, or problems;
d. Will claims' office provide copies of all claim's status to the University?
e. Will claims' office provide information on all claims rejected and the
reason(s) for the rejection?
f. What is the average time for a claim to be processed after the date the
insurance company receives it?
8) What are the insurance company's procedures in processing claims when notice of
claim is submitted beyond the policy time limit?
9) What are the insurance company's procedures in processing claims when written
proof of loss is submitted more than ninety (90) days after the date of such loss?
10) Will the insurance company furnish the school with a monthly listing of all
claims paid, including:
a. Claim
b. Insured's name
c. Date of claim incurred
d. Date of claim paid