HBEX6 - The California Health Benefit Exchange is seeking proposals for the consultation on the design and development of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)

The California Health Benefit Exchange issued a competitive negotiation solicitation (HBEX6) for the design and development of the State’s Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). After a proposal deadline of February 29 2012 and evaluation period, the Exchange issued a notice of intent to award on March 19 2012, ultimately awarding the $400 K fixed‑price contract to PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. The contractor is responsible for delivering a series of deliverables—including benefit design, operational planning, market analysis, and a final report—to support the launch of SHOP on January 1 2014. The contract runs from mid‑March 2012 through the end of December 2012, with a strict schedule for drafts and final deliverables. • Scope: Policy design, operational planning, market sizing, grant support, and model contract drafting for a small‑business health exchange. • Budget: Maximum $400,000 fixed‑price, divided among four deliverables. • Timeline: Proposals due Feb 29 2012; drafts due Mar 30, Apr 15, May 15, Jun 1 2012; final contract execution Mar 16 2012 – Dec 31 2012.