Specifications include, but are not limited to: The purpose of this solicitation is to contract with a firm to provide pharmacy benefit management services including network pharmaceutical pricing through financial arrangements with pharmacies. The pharmacy network provided by the PBM must contain a sufficient number of pharmacies to provide to all participants adequate access, in-state as well as out-of-state, as determined cooperatively by the PBM and the Board. The pharmacy network will provide the Plan with a cost-effective network of pharmacies contracted at rates that are commensurate with the size of the Plan and its associated purchasing power. The PBM will provide clinical programs cost containment such as prior authorization, step therapy and specialty drug management, and a mail order distribution channel. The Board expects the PBM to be proactive in making recommendations that control costs.