Title
Human Resources Department recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with Procurement Policy C-17, Section 3.4(2g) exempting the competitive bidding process because the Contractor is the exclusive broker under Public Risk Innovation, Solutions and Management (PRISM) and has sole authority to represent PRISM programs to California public agencies;
2) Make findings that it is appropriate to engage with Alliant Insurance Services to provide employee benefit consulting as Agreement 6965 requires specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications in accordance with County ordinance code 3.13.030(B);
3) Approve and authorize the Board Chair to sign Amendment I to Agreement 6965 with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. for employee benefit consulting services increasing the amount by $135,000 for a new amount of $270,000 and extending the term by three years, through January 31, 2029; and
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any necessary amendments relating to Agreement for Services 6965, excluding term extensions and increases to the amount, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Risk Management Health Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County has contracted with Alliant Insurance Services since 2009. They advise and assist County staff for the effective management of the County’s benefit programs, including group health insurance, dental, vision, prescription drugs and employee benefit programs. Agreement 6965 Amendment I will continue these services with Alliant Insurance Services.
Alliant Insurance Services is the exclusive broker under PRISM and has sole authority to represent PRISM programs to California public agencies. PRISM is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) comprised of California counties, cities, and public agencies organized to jointly develop and fund insurance and related programs with the most favorable terms and costs. As a member of this organization, the County has controlled costs of the health plans offered through PRISM Health.
The Human Resources Department is requesting the Board approve Amendment I to Contract 6965 with Alliant Insurance Services for employee benefit consulting increasing the amount by $135,000 for a new amount of $270,000 and extending the term by three years for a new expiration date of January 31, 2029.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the agreement, and Human Resources could find another vendor to provide employee benefit consulting services; however, this alternative would likely result in the County losing access to PRISM Health benefit programs and is therefore not recommended.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
01/03/2023 Legistar file 22-1903 - The Board approved and authorized the Board Chair to sign agreement 6965 with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. with a total amount of $135,000 for the term February 1, 2023, through January 31, 2026.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
CAO, Procurement and Contracts, Human Resources
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no increase to the rates reflected in existing Agreement 6965. Funding for the agreement is included in the Risk Management Health Fund Program Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to obtain Board Chair signature on Amendment I to Agreement 6965 and forward to CAO Fiscal, attention Paula Starr.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources