TRICARE Dental Program 7/Third Party Administrator Industry Forum
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is developing the 7th generation TRICARE Dental Program (TDP-7) contracts and a separate Third-Party Administrator (TPA) contract. This notice announced an Industry Forum to gather information and conduct market research for the acquisition strategy. The forum, originally scheduled for November 4-5, 2025, has been postponed indefinitely due to a government shutdown. Updates will be posted on SAM.gov.
Purpose & Scope
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2023 mandates a multi-carrier, multi-choice dental benefits program for Active-Duty family members, survivors, and qualified Reserve Component members and their families. The current TDP-6 contract provides all services under one contractor. TDP-7 will involve multiple dental insurance carriers, while a new TPA contract will manage administrative functions like eligibility, enrollment, premium payments, and qualifying life events.
TDP-7 Contract Objectives include standardized pricing, information exchange with the TPA, claims processing, global dental provider network maintenance (including OCONUS), provider and beneficiary education, marketing, customer service, and a comprehensive transition plan.
TPA Contract Objectives focus on providing a cost-effective, centralized eligibility and enrollment system, customer service support, premium/allotment administration, reconciliation of enrollments and premiums, a user-friendly website with decision support tools, and beneficiary education and outreach.
Industry Forum Details (Postponed)
- Original Dates: November 4-5, 2025 (8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. MST)
- Location: DHA Aurora Office, Colorado
- Purpose: To gather information from the dental care industry, identify commercial best practices, and inform the TDP-7 and TPA acquisition strategy.
- Format: A general forum was planned for November 4, 2025, with individual sessions for interested prime contractors on November 4-5, 2025. Each prime contractor could bring up to three in-person attendees, with a virtual option for additional attendees.
Engagement & Response
DHA previously sent out Requests for Information (RFIs) for both TPA and TDP-7. Industry was encouraged to submit questions prior to the forum for discussion. Participants were also invited to submit post-Forum position papers, concepts, and alternative ideas. Written questions, unless proprietary, may be addressed during future forums. Questions should be submitted to Kristin Moore and Chelsea Lavelle.
Contract & Timeline
- Current Contract (TDP-6) Expiration: February 28, 2030
- Anticipated Competition: Full and Open for both TDP-7 (multiple carriers) and TPA (single contractor)
- NAICS Codes: 524114 (TDP), 524292 (TPA)
- PSC Codes: Q503 (Medical-Dentistry for TDP), Q201 (Medical-Managed Care for TPA)
- Place of Performance: CONUS and OCONUS
- Response Due (for questions): Ten (10) business days prior to the (postponed) Industry Forum.
- Published: February 5, 2026
- Response Date: February 20, 2026
Additional Notes
This is a Special Notice for market research and industry engagement. It is not a solicitation for proposals.