Broker Sending Rfps
Sending RFPs
After configuring plan requirements for a Group within a Proposal, the next step is sending RFPs (Requests for Proposal) to carrier representatives. This guide covers managing carrier contacts, sending RFPs, and tracking responses.
1. Understanding the RFP Process
The Workflow
- Configure Coverage — Define plan design and requirements for a coverage type (e.g., Dental)
- Select Carrier Reps — Choose who should receive the RFP
- Send RFPs — MonarkHQ emails secure magic links to reps
- Await Responses — Reps log in and submit Offers
- Review Offers — Compare carrier responses
- Add to Proposal — Select winning Offers as Proposal Items to present to the Employer
What Carrier Reps Receive
When you send an RFP, carrier representatives receive:
- An email with a secure magic link
- Employer context (anonymized when needed)
- Group size and demographics (from the Census)
- Effective date (for the Group / plan year)
- Your configured plan design requirements
- Any attachments you uploaded
Important:
RFPs are sent for a specific Proposal (and therefore a specific Group / plan year). If the Employer has multiple Groups, the rep will only see the Group tied to that Proposal.
2. Manage Carrier Contacts
Before sending RFPs, confirm your carrier reps are in MonarkHQ.
Viewing Carrier Contacts
- Navigate to Contacts in the sidebar
- View your list of carrier representatives
- Each contact shows:
- Name and email
- Carrier affiliation
- Coverage lines they handle
- Last response date (if available)
Adding a Carrier Contact
- Click + Add Contact or Add New Rep
- Enter contact details:
| Field | Required | Description | | ------- | -------- | -------------------------- | | Name | No | Representative’s full name | | Email | Yes | Professional email address | | Company | No | Carrier name |
- Click Save
Note:
When you add a carrier contact, they may default to “all lines.” Carrier reps can refine which lines and group sizes they support during onboarding.
How Carrier Matching Works
MonarkHQ can help identify good recipients based on:
- Coverage lines they handle
- Group size preferences
- Geographic regions they service
When sending, match indicators and warnings help you select the right reps.
3. Send Your RFPs
Where You Send From
From the Proposal, go to the Quotes tab. Then:
- Single Coverage Type: Click Send RFP within that coverage configuration
- Multiple Coverage Types: Click Send All RFPs to send every configured RFP in the Proposal
The Send RFP Dialog
Step 1: Select Carrier Representatives
Available Reps
- All carrier contacts are listed
- Carrier affiliation is shown
- Match indicators help identify fit
Match Indicators
| Indicator | Meaning | | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------- | | Match Badge | Rep is a strong fit for this RFP | | Coverage Check | Rep handles the coverage type | | Group Size Check | Rep accepts groups of this size | | Warning | Possible mismatch (review before sending) |
Selection
- Click a rep to toggle selection
- Use Select All to choose all reps shown
- Use search/filter to find specific carriers or reps
Add New Reps
- Click Add New to create a contact during the send flow
- New reps become immediately selectable
Step 2: Preview and Send
Before sending, review:
Recipients
- Name, carrier, and email of selected reps
RFPs Being Sent
- Coverage types included
- Plan design summary for each coverage type
- Effective date and Group context
Email Preview
- Sample email reps will receive
- Includes the magic link and key group details
Step 3: Confirmation
After clicking Send RFPs:
- MonarkHQ sends emails to all selected reps
- A confirmation screen shows:
- Number of emails sent
- Any failed sends
- Next steps
What Happens Next
- Reps receive the email with a secure magic link
- Reps open the RFP and review requirements
- Reps submit an Offer for their carrier
- You’ll see Offer status updates in the Quotes tab
Typical response time is 2–5 business days, but varies by line and carrier.
4. Track RFP Status
Viewing Status
From the Proposal Quotes tab, each RFP shows:
| Status | Description | | --------- | ------------------------------ | | Draft | Configured but not sent | | Sent | Sent and awaiting response | | Viewed | Carrier rep opened the RFP | | Responded | Carrier rep submitted an Offer |
Tracking Individual Recipients
Click into an RFP to see recipient-level tracking:
- Who it was sent to
- Who has viewed it
- Who has responded with Offers
5. Receive and Review Offers
Notifications
When a rep submits an Offer:
- The RFP status updates to Responded
- The Offer appears under that coverage type in the Quotes tab
- You may also receive an email notification (if enabled)
Viewing Offers
- Go to the Proposal → Quotes tab
- Select the coverage type
- Review submitted Offers including:
- Carrier name
- Plan details
- Premium rates
- Commission information
Comparing Offers
Use the comparison view to:
- Compare multiple Offers side-by-side
- Review plan design differences
- Evaluate pricing and commission structures
- Mark recommended options
Adding Offers to the Proposal
Once you select an Offer you want to present:
- Click Add to Proposal
- The Offer becomes a Proposal Item the Employer can review and select
6. Manage RFP Attachments
Adding Attachments Before Sending
- Open the coverage configuration
- Scroll to RFP Attachments
- Upload files (drag/drop or click Upload)
- Supported formats: PDF, Excel, Word, images
What to Attach
Common attachments include:
- Current plan documents (renewals)
- Benefit summaries
- Enrollment files
- Experience data (when applicable)
- Special requirements documentation
Carrier reps can view and download attachments while responding.
7. Resend an RFP
When to Resend
Resend if:
- A carrier hasn’t responded
- You want to send a reminder
- You want to add new carrier reps
How to Resend
- Open the RFP under the Proposal → Quotes tab
- Click Resend (or open the send dialog again)
- Select recipients
- Send
Previously sent reps will receive a new email notification.
8. Best Practices
Carrier Selection
- Send to multiple carriers to create competition
- Use match indicators to avoid poor-fit recipients
- Include specialty carriers for unique needs
- Prioritize carriers you know respond reliably
Timing
- Send early enough to allow review cycles
- Follow up if responses are overdue
- Plan for longer turnaround on complex underwriting
Communication
- Use attachments to reduce back-and-forth
- Include context when cases are unusual
- Respond quickly to carrier questions
Organization
- Track which reps were sent which RFPs
- Maintain updated rep preferences over time
- Document why certain carriers were selected (especially on renewals)
9. Troubleshooting
Carrier Not Receiving Email
- Confirm the email address is correct
- Ask them to check spam/junk
- Resend the RFP
- If needed, contact the rep outside the platform
No Responses
- Allow 2–5 business days (varies by line)
- Send a reminder
- Confirm the rep is a fit for group size / geography / line
- Follow up directly if needed
Incomplete Offers
- Review Offer details
- Ask the rep to revise or provide missing info
- Consider requesting a revised Offer within MonarkHQ
Next Steps
Once Offers are received, proceed to:
- Building Proposals — Assemble Proposal Items and employer-ready options
- Sending Proposals — Deliver the Proposal to the Employer and track selections