Polk County RFP 26-384 TPA for Off-Site Inmate Medical and Pharmacy Services 2026
Polk CountyCounty · Bartow, FL- Due
- Sep 16, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Primary contact
- Tabatha Shirah
- (863) 534-6757
The 30-second brief
Polk County, Florida is requesting proposals for a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) to provide comprehensive management of off-site inmate medical and pharmacy services for the Polk County Jail system. The scope includes claims adjudication for off-site medical and on-site ancillary services (radiology, dialysis, etc.), pharmacy benefit management (PBM) for specialty medications, and application of Medicare-based statutory repricing per Florida Statute 901.35. The TPA must provide access to a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network including all six Polk County hospitals and AdventHealth-Sebring. Mandatory qualifications include an active Florida Insurance Administrator License, URAC accreditation, and at least three years of experience with similar governmental corrections contracts. Sealed proposals are due by September 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. to the Procurement Division in Bartow, FL, or via the Kiteworks electronic portal. A question deadline is set for September 9, 2026.
Introduction letter, Certificate of Status, Insurance Administrator License, URAC Certification, Experience documentation, Provider Network Contracts, IT Integration statement, Resumes, Approach and Methodology, Past Performance Surveys
Experience and Expertise (50 points), Approach and Methodology (40 points), Surveys of Past Performance (10 points)
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Summary
Polk County, Florida is requesting proposals for a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) to provide comprehensive management of off-site inmate medical and pharmacy services for the Polk County Jail system.
The scope includes claims adjudication for off-site medical and on-site ancillary services (radiology, dialysis, etc.), pharmacy benefit management (PBM) for specialty medications, and application of Medicare-based statutory repricing per Florida Statute 901.35. The TPA must provide access to a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network including all six Polk County hospitals and AdventHealth-Sebring. Mandatory qualifications include an active Florida Insurance Administrator License, URAC accreditation, and at least three years of experience with similar governmental corrections contracts. Sealed proposals are due by September 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. to the Procurement Division in Bartow, FL, or via the Kiteworks electronic portal. A question deadline is set for September 9, 2026.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
10- Introduction letter
- Certificate of Status
- Insurance Administrator License
- URAC Certification
- Experience documentation
- Provider Network Contracts
- IT Integration statement
- Resumes
- Approach and Methodology
- Past Performance Surveys
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
5- Proposers Incorporation Information
- Drug-Free Workplace Form
- Performance Surveys
- Affidavit Certification Immigration Laws
- E-Verify Certification
REQUIRED STAFFING
Project Manager
- Submit to
- 330 West Church Street, Room 150, Bartow, FL 33830
- Scope location
- Polk County, FL
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Polk County?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is September 16, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: 330 West Church Street, Room 150, Bartow, FL 33830. For questions, contact Tabatha Shirah.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Polk County in FL, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Tabatha Shirah at (863) 534-6757. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Project Manager. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Introduction letter, Certificate of Status, Insurance Administrator License, URAC Certification, Experience documentation, Provider Network Contracts, IT Integration statement, Resumes, Approach and Methodology, Past Performance Surveys. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Experience and Expertise (50 points), Approach and Methodology (40 points), Surveys of Past Performance (10 points)" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Polk County?
All active and historical solicitations from Polk County are tracked and searchable. As a county agency, Polk County regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Proposers Incorporation Information, Drug-Free Workplace Form, Performance Surveys, Affidavit Certification Immigration Laws, E-Verify Certification. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from Polk County for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Polk County, FL. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.