Hillsborough County committee finalizes scores for RFP‑25‑00033 disability benefits proposals

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — During a virtual evaluation committee meeting, county staff and outside technical advisors reviewed reference checks and finalized consensus scores for Request for Proposals RFP‑25‑00033, for fully insured disability benefits for the county’s human resources department.

The committee — chaired by Tom Hessler and run by procurement chief buyer Sakina Ford — heard a presentation of reference-check results from Rosemary Kissell, then discussed pricing, technical approach and organizational qualifications before agreeing on final scores that will inform the county’s next procurement steps.

The Standard received the committee’s highest total score, 98 points; MetLife totaled 84 points; and OCHS, Inc., on behalf of Madison National Life, totaled 78 points. Committee members confirmed those consensus scores at the meeting’s close and signed a final scoring sheet for the procurement record.

Why it matters: The scoring will be used by procurement staff as part of the county’s selection process for the fully insured short‑ and long‑term disability benefits contract. The county’s cone of silence remained in effect during the meeting; procurement staff said the cone ends on the earlier of five business days after the county posts…