5-RFSQ - 218428 - Bond Underwriter or Placement Agent Services - SOW.pdf

REQUEST FOR SUPPLIER QUALIFICATIONS

Bid Event # 218428

Bond Underwriter or Placement Agent Services

City of Little Rock, Arkansas

The capital city of Arkansas is also the state’s largest municipality with over 202,000 people calling it home. The City of Little Rock employs over 2,500 employees in 16 departments. It is our mission to ensure our City is a safe, secure, and prospering place to live, work, and play.

Mayor Frank Scott Jr.

City of Little Rock Request for Supplier Qualifications – # 218428 – Bond Underwriter or Placement Agent Services

City of Little Rock, 500 W. Markham St., Little Rock Arkansas 72201 (501) 371-4560

Contents

SCHEDULE AND ACCESS INFORMATION

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.3 DEFINITION OF REQUIREMENT

1.4 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

1.5 RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

1.6 ORGANIZATION OF RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

1.7 PRICING

1.8 NONCOLLUSION

1.9 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

1.10 ISRAEL BOYCOTT NOTICE

1.11 BOYCOTT OF THE ENERGY, FOSSIL FUEL, FIREARMS, AND AMO INDUSTRIES

1.12 REQUIREMENT OF ADDENDUM

1.13 PAST PERFORMANCE

1.14 PUBLICITY

SECTION 2 – PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 GOAL

2.2 TERMS OF AWARD

2.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

2.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 3 – PERFORMANCE MATRIX

SECTION 4 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

4.1 COMMUNICATION PLAN

4.2 JOINT VENTURE

4.3 PROCUREMENT SELECTION TEAM

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION PROCESS

5.1 CONDITIONS OF EVALUATION

5.2 REFERENCE CHECKS

5.3 CLARIFICATION AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL

5.4 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL ELEMENTS

SECTION 6 – ACCEPTANCE OF EVALUTION TECHNIQUE

SECTION 7 – CONTRACT

7.1 NEGOITATIONS

7.2 ISSUANCE OF CONTRACT

7.3 COOPERATIVE USE

7.4 LIABILITY

SECTION 8 – INQUIRES AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 9 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SCHEDULE AND ACCESS INFORMATION

Schedule of Solicitations

Project ID | Title : 218428 – Bond Underwriter or Placement Agent Services

Department: Finance

Release Date: January 22, 2026

Vendor Questions Deadline:

February 5, 2026

Close Date: February 12, 2026

Pre-Bid Opening Meeting: (optional)

N/A

Bid Opening Information (Optional)

Bid Opening MS Teams

Date: 02/12/2026 Time: 2:15 p.m., Central Time

Web Link: Bid Reading - RFSQ #218428 - Bond Underwriter Services | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 252 434 140 493 53

Passcode: iv7us3KG

Dial-In: +1 972-371-0918,164046306# United States, Dallas

Phone Conference

ID: 162 552 109#

Resources

Business Contact Little Rock Business Portal | City of Little Rock

Procurement Purchasing Division | City of Little Rock

LRPROCURE

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Israel Boycott Restriction Confirmation

By submitting a formal proposal to this Bid Solicitation, a Prospective Vendor agrees and certifies that they do not boycott Israel, and if selected will not boycott Israel during the aggregate term of the contract.

Vendor must attach a signed copy of the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form to the proposal submission.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjMxYzEwOTEtNDAwZC00MjM0LTkzNTEtNTQzN2ExNDI1MTgw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2284d336e2-3cb3-4ee8-91ca-5e4f107776ce%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%220482e7ca-b0e2-4a95-9ca7-449438c919bf%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjMxYzEwOTEtNDAwZC00MjM0LTkzNTEtNTQzN2ExNDI1MTgw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2284d336e2-3cb3-4ee8-91ca-5e4f107776ce%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%220482e7ca-b0e2-4a95-9ca7-449438c919bf%22%7d tel:+19723710918,,164046306 https://www.littlerock.gov/business/little-rock-business-portal/ https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/finance/divisions/procurement/ https://littlerock.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Boycott of the Energy, Fossil Fuel, Firearms, and AMO Industries

By submitting a formal proposal to this Bid Solicitation, a Prospective Vendor agrees and certifies that it does not boycott the energy, fossil fuel, firearms, and ammunition industries and will not boycott the energy, fossil fuel, firearms, and ammunition industries during the term of the contract.

Vendor must attach a signed copy of the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form to the proposal submission.

Vendors must submit responses to this request online at LRProcure EUNA on or before the designated due date and time.

Responses should comply with all requirements stated in this bid solicitation. The Vendor is required to be both responsive and responsible as per the terms of this bid. If any conflict is identified in key terms (such as the quantity or type of work to be performed), the City of Little Rock reserves the right to disqualify the Vendor's response at its sole discretion.

The City reserves the right to revise the bid submission deadline. If the City needs to make changes or revisions, an addendum will be available on Bonfire under Public Notices.

The City has worked hard to make sure this request is correct, but it is up to the Bidder to check the proposal carefully because the City and its team are not responsible if there are mistakes or missing information. The responsibility for determining the full extent of the exposure to risk and verifying all information herein shall rest solely on those parties’ making proposals. The City, its representatives, and its agents shall not be responsible for any error or omission in this RFSQ, nor shall they be responsible for any Vendors or representatives' failure to verify the information herein and to determine the full extent of that exposure.

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SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE

The City of Little Rock has issued this Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ) to businesses authorized in the State of Arkansas and qualified to provide the requested service(s) outlined in this bid document.

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Little Rock is the State Capital and the largest city in Arkansas. It was chartered in 1835 and is in the central part of the state, approximately 135 miles west of Memphis, Tennessee. The city has a population of 202,591 according to the 2020 census certified by the Arkansas State Treasurer. The 2026 operating budget revenues approved by Ordinance No. 22079 are $350,389,573 including the General Fund revenue budget of $271,999,104.

It is also a major cultural, economic, and governmental center in central Arkansas. Several cultural institutions are in Little Rock, such as the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, The Museum of Discovery, William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, including a diverse array of outdoor recreational opportunities.

1.3 DEFINITION OF REQUIREMENT

A. The words “must” and “shall” signify a requirement of this solicitation and that Bidder’s agreement to and compliance with that item is mandatory.

B. Exceptions taken to any requirement in this solicitation, whether submitted in the Vendor’s response or in subsequent correspondence, may cause the Responder’s response to be disqualified.

C. Bidders may request exceptions to non-mandatory items. Bidder must clearly explain the requested exception and should reference the specific solicitation item number to which the exception applies.

1.4 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

A. The City has made every effort to use industry-accepted terminology in this bid solicitation and will attempt further to clarify any point of an item in question as indicated in the Clarification and Discussion of Proposal.

B. “Best Interests” used herein means practicing economical frugality, professionalism, and a firm commitment to the publicly stated goals of the City

C. “Bid Opening Meeting” is the formal process in which sealed bids are opened and the contents are revealed to all Bidders and the public (optional attendance).

D. “Commodity Code” is the standardized system of numbers used to identify goods and services being purchased. The City of Little Rock utilizes the NIGP Code.

E. “City” means the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. When the term “City” is used herein to reference any obligation of the City under a contract that results from this solicitation.

F. “Public Notice” is the Bonfire bulletin board where the City can issue changes or new information about a project. Vendors can find this in the [Messages] section titled “Public Notices.” Vendors who have viewed a project will receive an email notification when a new public notice is posted.

G. “Prospective Vendor” means a person who submits a bid in response to this solicitation.

H. “Responsible bid” means a Vendor response that has the capability in all respects to fully perform the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance.

I. “Responsive bid” A bid solicitation that is deemed to meet all the requirements set forward in the bid solicitation such as but not limited to bid instructions, technical requirements, general requirements, acceptance of terms and conditions, and provide complete information.

J. “Vendor” means a person who sells or contracts to sell commodities and/or services.

K. The words “Responder,” “Bidder,” and “Vendor” are used synonymously in this document.

L. The terms “Request for Supplier Qualifications,” “RFSQ,” and “Solicitation” are used synonymously in this document.

M. The terms “bid,” “response,” and "submission" are used synonymously in this document.

1.5 RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

The Bidder’s responsive and responsible proposal must be submitted thru LRPROCURE Bid Opportunities Portal on or before the closing date and time. Other documents or information required must be attached to bid solicitation upon submission.

1.6 ORGANIZATION OF RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

It is strongly recommended that Responders adhere to the following format and suggestions when preparing their response. The proposal should be arranged in the following order:

• Table of Contents. The Table of Contents should itemize the contents by section, subsection, and page numbers.

• Signed Addenda, if applicable.

• Other documents or information are required in this solicitation.

• Response to the evaluation criteria (Refer to Section 6. Evaluation Process]

1.7 PRICING

Pricing will be negotiated with awarded Vendor.

1.8 NONCOLLUSION

Bidder shall represent and warrant that in connection with a response to this solicitation:

A. The Bidder has not been a party to any collusion among Responder(s) in the restraint of freedom of competition by agreement to bid at a fixed price or to refrain from bidding.

B. The Bidder has not been a party to any collusion with any official or employee of the City of Little Rock as to quantity, quality, or price in the prospective contract or any other terms of said prospective contract.

C. The Bidder has not been a party in any discussion between Bidders and any official of City concerning the exchange of money or other things of value for special consideration in the letting of a contract.

D. Bidder's failure to disclose such a relationship may result in one of the following:

1. The City’s rejection of the Responder's response.

2. The City’s cancellation of any resultant contract.

1.9 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

A. Response documents pertaining to this solicitation will become the property of the City of Little Rock and shall be subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

1.10 ISRAEL BOYCOTT NOTICE

A. Pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-1-503, a public entity shall not enter into a contract valued at $1,000 or greater with a company unless the contract includes a written certification that the person or company is not currently engaged in and agrees for the duration of the contract not to engage in, a boycott of Israel.

B. Vendor's signature on the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form shall represent and warrant they do not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the remaining aggregate term of the contract.

1.11 BOYCOTT OF THE ENERGY, FOSSIL FUEL, FIREARMS, AND AMO INDUSTRIES

Pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-1-1002, a public entity shall not enter into a contract valued at $1,000 or greater with a company unless the contract includes a written certification that the person or company is not currently engaged in and agrees for the duration of the contract not to engage in a boycott of the energy, fossil fuel, firearms, and ammunition industries. The signed Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form shall represent the Bidder’s compliance.

1.12 REQUIREMENT OF ADDENDUM

This solicitation shall be modified only by an addendum written and authorized by City.

1.13 PAST PERFORMANCE

A Vendor's past performance with City may be used to determine if the Bidder is “responsible”. Responses submitted by the Bidder determined to be non-responsible shall be disqualified.

1.14 PUBLICITY

Bidder shall not issue a news release or article pertaining to this solicitation or any portion of the project, in any medium, at any time during the pendency of the solicitation or fulfillment of the terms of this contract without City’s prior written approval. Bidder’s failure to comply with this requirement may be cause for the City to reject the proposal or cancellation of this contract.

SECTION 2 – PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 GOAL

The City intends to establish a qualified pool of underwriting firms to provide municipal bond underwriting services. Firms may be considered for Senior Managing Underwriter or Co-Manager roles for negotiated bond issuances. Firms may also be considered to serve the City as a placement agent for privately placed bonds.

Selection into the pool does not guarantee assignment of work.

The City intends to establish a qualified pool of underwriting firms to provide municipal bond underwriting services. Firms may be considered for Senior Managing Underwriter or Co-Manager roles for tax-exempt and taxable debt issuances, including but not limited to general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, refundings, and special financings.

Scope of Services

• Underwrite unsold balances

• Coordinate with bond counsel, municipal advisor, and City staff regarding debt transactions

• Support the City and its municipal advisor with deal execution, which may include providing input with regard to bond structure, timing, rating agency presentations and disclosure preparation

• Provide information regarding market conditions, including pre- and post-pricing analyses

• Assist with investor outreach and presentations

• Market, price and distribute bonds

• Comply with all federal, state, and local regulations (MSRB, SEC, IRS)

2.2 TERMS OF AWARD

A. The term of this agreement will be three (3) years, with the option to renew based on performance, funding availability, and City approval.

B. The Vendor must have a business license to operate in the State of Arkansas.

C. The City of Little Rock Treasury Management Division will determine validity of all business licenses.

D. For more information regarding business licenses requirements, contact the Treasury Division | City of Little

Rock.

E. The City reserves the right to reject all bids and to waive any informality or irregularity in any bid.

F. Bidder must attach a signed copy of the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form to the bid submission.

2.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/finance/divisions/treasury/ https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/finance/divisions/treasury/

To be considered for selection, the proposal must meet the guidelines and follow the format outlined in the Section 5 – Evaluation Process of this document.

A. Must be properly registered to engage in the municipal securities business B. Must be compliant with applicable SEC and MSRB rules to serve as underwriter or placement agent C. Must have demonstrated experience underwriting municipal bonds for public entities D. Must have necessary capital to underwrite bonds E. Must have no conflicts of interest with the City that would impair performance F. Statement of Qualifications. The statement of qualifications shall include the following, but not limited to:

1. License to Practice in the State of Arkansas. Proof of current business license shall be included that the business and all assigned professional staff are properly licensed or registered to practice in Arkansas.

2. Company Background and Experience. The Bidder shall state the size of the business and the office location from which the work on this project will be performed. This section shall also establish the Bidder’s ability to satisfactorily perform the required work through past successes that demonstrate competency in the services to be performed, strength and stability of the organization, and staff expertise in meeting expectations. The City may request additional information or clarification.

3. Staff Qualifications. Identify management staff, including partners, managers, other supervisors, and specialists, who would be assigned to the project. Provide information and resumes on the experience of each person.

4. Organizational Chart. Provide an organizational chart for the portion of your business that will be involved with the project, complete with names and titles. On the chart mark the persons who will be involved in this project.

5. Business Operation. If Bidder has operated under any other names within the last ten (10) years, provide those business names.

6. Ownership Changes. If the Vendor anticipates any mergers, ownership transfer, management reorganization, or departure of key personnel within the next twelve (12) months, describe the anticipated changes and how that could impact work on this project if awarded the contract.

G. Cover Letter. Tell the City why your organization is the best choice. A signed cover letter briefly stating the

Bidder’s understanding of the work to be done and a statement as to why the firm believes it to be the best qualified to perform the work.

H. Executive Summary. Write a brief narrative describing the proposal.

I. Responses shall be no more than fifteen (15) pages including cover letter and executive summary.

2.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. The Vendor shall carry the appropriate insurance and must provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Little Rock as additional insured.

SECTION 3 – PERFORMANCE MATRIX

The City seeks to collaborate with the Vendor and other stakeholders to enhance accountability and contract management, improve results, and adjust the delivery of products or services based on learning what works.

Metric Data Source Data Frequency Responsibility Review Cadence

1. Was the underwriter responsive and successful in achieving the financial timeline?

Department Records Annually City of Little Rock Department of Finance

Annually

2. Was the underwriter successful at achieving desired outcomes?

Department Records Annually City of Little Rock Department of Finance

Annually

3. Did the underwriter effectively coordinate with municipal advisor and bond counsel?

Department Records Annually City of Little Rock Department of Finance

Annually

Vendor Performance Report (Ad-hoc)

Vendor Performance Review Form

As Needed – At Least Once Per Contract

City of Little Rock Procurement Division

Annually

Vendor Performance Review

Bonfire Annually City of Little Rock Procurement Division

Annually

SECTION 4 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

4.1 COMMUNICATION PLAN

A. To manage this contract and the goals outlined in sections herein, the City will collect performance data and regularly discuss performance metrics with selected Vendors.

B. The Vendor update meeting shall occur monthly at an agreed-upon time and date. Upon mutual agreement, the parties may move to this meeting if necessary to avoid scheduling conflicts, holidays, or similar occurrences. Any changes or cancellations to a meeting shall be communicated at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance.

4.2 JOINT VENTURE

A. A joint proposal submitted by two or more Vendors is NOT acceptable.

4.3 PROCUREMENT SELECTION TEAM

A. All responses will be scored by the Evaluation Selection Committee appointed by the Mayor and City Manager.

The score will be based on the overall responsiveness to the RFSQ requirements, and the reference accounts provided.

B. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 19-11-802, qualifications and performance data for Vendors who meet the City’s minimum qualifications for this professional service will be kept on file for one (1) year.

C. The City shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to determine what constitutes a minor deviation or informality and to waive minor deviations and informalities.

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION PROCESS

5.1 CONDITIONS OF EVALUATION

A. This RFSQ does not constitute an offer or a contract with any Bidder or other party.

B. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, as a whole or in part, and to waive any informality in proposals received deemed to be in the best interest of the City or to accept or reject all or any part of any Proposal.

C. The City may reject any proposal that is not responsive to all the material and substantial terms, conditions, and performance requirements of this RFSQ.

D. Proposals shall be in English.

5.2 REFERENCE CHECKS

The City may employ a process of contacting references provided through the Bidder’s proposal. The City reserves the right to conduct reference checks at any point in the evaluation process, and to contact other clients beyond just those references provided.

5.3 CLARIFICATION AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL

The City may request clarifications and conduct discussions with any Bidder that submits a proposal, including requesting additional information. The City reserves the right to select the proposal that it believes is the most responsive as determined by the Evaluation Selection Committee, which will best serve the City business and operational requirement considering the evaluation criteria set forth.

5.4 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL ELEMENTS

A. The Technical Proposal outlines the Bidder’s qualifications and proposed plan for addressing the requested item(s) or service(s).

B. Technical Proposals should specifically address each of the elements listed under the Technical Proposal Subsection Category matrix below.

1. In each category, items and questions have been assigned a maximum point value of points. The total point value for each category is reflected in the table below as the Maximum Raw Score Possible.

2. The City has assigned Weighted Percentages to each category according to their significance.

C. Subsections and Scoring

Technical Subsection Maximum Points

Weighted Percent

Final Points Available

Firm Experience & Capacity

25 30% 300

Key Personnel & Team Qualifications

15 15% 150

Underwriting Approach & Methodology

20 25% 250

Financial Strength & Capital Commitment

10 15% 150

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

15 15% 150

Total Technical Score 85 100% 1000

D. Calculation of Technical Score

• The Final Score will be calculated based on the following formula:

• In each sub-section, items or questions have been assigned a maximum value of five (5) points.

The scoring rubric for the five (5) point scale is listed below.

Rating Rating Category Rating Criteria Confidence

5 Excellent Meets the requirements. Very High

(A/B) x C = D

A = Actual Raw Points Received B = Maximum Raw Points C = Final Points Available D = Final Technical Score Received

Outstanding knowledge, creativity, ability, or other exceptional characteristics. Extremely well written and thorough.

4 Good Meets the requirement.

Better than merely acceptable.

High

3 Acceptable Meets the requirement.

Acceptable quality.

Moderate

2 Marginal Does not meet the requirement.

Inadequate.

Low

1 Poor Does not meet the requirement.

Inferior.

Very Low

0 Unacceptable Does not meet the requirement.

Blank or unresponsive.

No Confidence

E. The Bidder’s weighted scores for each category will be added to determine the Total Technical Score for the

Proposal.

1. Responses that do not receive a minimum weighted score of 700 may not move forward in the bid process.

2. Pricing information must not be included in the Technical Proposal.

• Pricing information includes any information by which the cost is set out, may be computed, or may be compared to that of another Vendor, for example

• “At no additional cost;”

• “Free of charge;”

• “For an additional fee.”

3. Pricing information includes any information by which the cost is set out, may be computed, or may be compared to another Vendor.

4. Failure to follow this guideline in any manner will result in disqualification of the proposal

F. Evaluation Criteria: These standards items consider, but are not limited to the following:

A. Firm Experience & Capacity Maximum Points

Possible

A-1: Describe your firm’s experience underwriting municipal bonds during the past five (5) years.

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s experience underwriting municipal bonds during the past five (5) years.

A-2:

Identify the types of bonds underwritten (GO, revenue, refunding, taxable, special purpose). Specifically highlight your firm’s experience with bonds secured by franchise fee revenues and comment on investor appetite for these bonds.

High scoring proposals will identify the types of bonds underwritten (GO, revenue, refunding, taxable, special purpose). Specifically highlighting the firm’s experience with bonds secured by franchise fee revenues and comment on investor appetite for these bonds.

A-3: Provide two (2) examples of underwriting engagements for municipalities or public entities of similar size and complexity.

High scoring proposals will provide two (2) examples of underwriting engagements for municipalities or public entities of similar size and complexity.

A-4: Provide the number and total par amount of bond issues underwritten in the past three

(3) years.

High scoring proposals will provide the number and total par amount of bond issues underwritten in the past three (3) years.

A-5:

Indicate whether your firm is seeking consideration as Senior Manager, Co-Manager, or both. Also indicate if your firm is interested in serving as placement agent for privately placed bonds, including non-rated bonds.

High scoring proposals will indicate whether the firm is seeking consideration as Senior Manager, Co-Manager, or both. Also indicating if the firm is interested in serving as placement agent for privately placed bonds, including non-rated bonds.

B. Key Personnel & Team Qualifications Maximum Points

Possible

B-1: Identify the proposed relationship manager, lead banker, and underwriting desk personnel.

High scoring proposals will identify the proposed relationship manager, lead banker, and underwriting desk personnel.

B-2: Confirm availability and continuity of assigned personnel throughout the contract term. 5

High scoring proposals will confirm availability and continuity of assigned personnel throughout the contract term.

B-3: Describe internal succession planning and staff depth to ensure uninterrupted service. 5

High scoring proposals will describe internal succession planning and staff depth to ensure uninterrupted service.

C. Underwriting Approach & Methodology

Possible

C-1: Describe your firm’s approach to structuring and pricing municipal bond issues. 5

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s approach to structuring and pricing municipal bond issues.

C-2: Explain how your firm evaluates market conditions and recommends sale timing. 5

High scoring proposals will explain how the firm evaluates market conditions and recommends sale timing.

C-3: Describe your investor marketing and distribution strategy. 5

High scoring proposals will describe their investor marketing and distribution strategy.

C-4: Explain coordination practices with the City’s Financial Advisor, Bond Counsel, and City staff.

High scoring proposals will explain coordination practices with the City’s Financial Advisor, Bond Counsel, and City staff.

D. Financial Strength & Capital Commitment

Possible

D-1: Describe your firm’s financial stability and capital adequacy. 5

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s financial stability and capital adequacy.

D-2: Explain your ability to commit capital and assume underwriting risk. 5

High scoring proposals will explain their ability to commit capital and assume underwriting risk.

E. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Possible

E-1: Disclose any regulatory actions, investigations, or sanctions within the past five (5) years. 5

High scoring proposals will disclose any regulatory actions, investigations, or sanctions within the past five (5) years.

E-2: Describe your firm’s compliance program related to MSRB, SEC, and IRS requirements. 5

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s compliance program related to MSRB, SEC, and IRS requirements.

E-3: Describe internal controls to ensure ethical practices and fair pricing. 5

High scoring proposals will describe internal controls to ensure ethical practices and fair pricing.

SECTION 6 – ACCEPTANCE OF EVALUTION TECHNIQUE

Bidder must agree to all evaluation processes and procedures as defined in this solicitation. Submission of a responsive and responsible bid signifies the Bidder’s understanding and agreement that subjective judgments will be made during the evaluation and scoring of the responses

SECTION 7 – CONTRACT

7.1 NEGOITATIONS

A. If the City chooses, negotiations may be conducted with the highest-ranking prospective Vendor. Negotiations are conducted at the sole discretion of the City.

B. If negotiations fail to result in a contract, the City may begin the negotiation process with the next highest ranking prospective Vendor. The negotiation process may be repeated until the anticipated successful Vendor has been determined, or until such a time the City decides not to move forward with an award.

7.2 ISSUANCE OF CONTRACT

A. Any resultant contract of this bid solicitation is subject to City approval processes which may include board review.

7.3 COOPERATIVE USE

A. The City of Little Rock, as the issuing office for this solicitation, shall be the leading agency for this contract.

Other governmental entities may participate in any contract resulting from this solicitation that falls under its scope of work throughout the life of the contract.

B. The Vendor must agree to offer the same pricing, terms, and conditions to participating governmental entities as outlined in this solicitation.

7.4 LIABILITY

The City of Little Rock shall not assume liability or obligation on behalf of any other governmental entity that may use any contract resulting from this solicitation. All purchases and payment transactions shall be made directly between the Vendor and the requesting entity

SECTION 8 – INQUIRES AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Bid submissions must be submitted electronically via LRPROCURE EUNA Brand Solutions prior to the bid closing data. Bid Closing Date is listed under “Important Events.

Any questions or inquiries regarding a bid solicitation must be submitted prior to the Questions Due Date.

Questions Due Date is listed under “Important Events.” Once this date has passed, no further communication shall occur between City of Little Rock and suppliers or service providers.

For any system-related questions, technical errors or help, please contact EUNA Technical Support or using the Help Button or at support@gobonfire.com Mon-Fri 8:00am-8:00pm EST.

Bids Submissions may be revised and resubmitted prior to the Bid Closing Date. Only submitted submissions will be considered.

SECTION 9 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All prospective Vendors who submit a proposal agree to be bound by the City of Little Rock Standard Terms and Conditions for Vendors and the online EUNA Terms & Conditions.

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