RFP04062026 - Executive Search and Recruitment Services

The University of Arkansas System (UAS) is seeking proposals from qualified insurance carriers to provide group life, AD&D, disability, and supplemental health insurance products to its approximately 21,000 benefits-eligible employees and additional eligible participants. The university is looking to award a term contract for an initial term of up to four years, with the option to renew for up to three additional one-year terms. The RFP outlines the following goals and objectives: 1. Provide competitive, affordable, stable, and high-quality insurance products for all eligible university employees and participants. 2. Establish a mutually beneficial long-term partnership with the selected respondent. 3. Ensure proactive communication and follow-up on issues and areas of improvement. 4. Provide strong service support for the UAS administrative team, campus HR staff, and participants. The scope of work includes providing insurance products for: * Basic Life * Supplemental Life * Dependent Life * Voluntary AD&D * Basic AD&D * Short Term Disability * Long Term Disability * Critical Illness * Accident Protection * Hospital Indemnity The university is open to exploring supplemental life insurance coverage changes and evaluating the implications of including a Premium Stabilization Reserve (PSR) with Life and LTD coverage. The RFP includes two bundles of coverage: * Bundle 1: All Life insurance, Disability, and Disability Case Management/Coaching/Return to Work/Reasonable Accommodation Services * Bundle 2: Critical Illness, Accident Protection, and Hospital Indemnity Respondents can choose to quote on one or both bundles. The university has a complex benefits structure, with various campuses and affiliates having different benefit programs and eligibility rules. The selected respondent will need to work with the university to understand and accommodate these differences. The RFP includes a projected timetable of activities, with the following key dates: * RFP released: April 9, 2026 * Proposal due: May 11, 2026 * Proposal evaluations: May 11 - May 28, 2026 * Finalist meetings and onsite visits: June 15 - 26, 2026 * Best and final proposal process: June 1 - 25, 2026 * Vendor selection and notifications: June 30, 2026 * Contract effective date: January 1, 2027 Overall, the RFP is seeking a responsive and flexible insurance carrier that can provide high-quality products and services to the university's diverse employee population.