I'll bet it is a Simple IRA. No one needs their employer to offer a plain old IRA.
A Simple IRA has a lower contribution limit than a 401k (12.5k for 2015 and 2016), but contributions do not count towards your own IRA limit of 5.5k.
If the Simple IRA has been established someplace like Edward Jones with a commissioned advisor, be aware that if your company is willing, they can establish a plan with more than one custodian simultaneously, and the new plan does not impact the old one at all. They could establish a plan someplace like say Vanguard at no cost whatsoever, either set up or ongoing. Employees who so desire could participate in the new plan, and employees who don't can stay where they are. On the employee end, the only costs are $10 per year per fund until total Vanguard assets reach 50k, and the fact that Admiral shares are not available in Simple IRAs.
It is very easy to establish a second plan. Ask me how I know. :) And surprisingly, I am the sole employee at my workplace who prefers to not pay a load on every dollar I contribute to my Simple IRA.
