ESBD_511554_1777581618389_TRS000667 RFP Compensation Study FINAL.pdf

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TRS000667_RFP_Compensation Study & Salary Data Services
Solicitation number
TRS000667
Issued by
Travis County, Austin City, Texas

About this file

This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), a public pension fund entity of the State of Texas, soliciting qualified contractors to perform a comprehensive competitive pay analysis of TRS investment positions and provide compensation data services. The solicitation seeks a full-service consulting firm to assess the competitiveness of base salary and incentive compensation by job title for both filled and vacant roles across investment positions ranging from Chief Investment Officer to starting investment analyst positions. The RFP was issued on May 1, 2026, with a pre-proposal conference scheduled for May 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time via Microsoft Teams. The deadline for submission of questions is May 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, and the deadline for proposal submission is June 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. TRS reserves the right to conduct presentations, demonstrations, interviews, and/or site visits with top-ranked respondents at its discretion. The resulting contract term will be five (5) years from the effective date, with no mention of renewal options.

Respondents must submit fully loaded, firm fixed prices or hourly rates inclusive of all costs, with line-item pricing for optional features. Direct travel expenses may be reimbursed with prior written approval from TRS' Contract Manager, limited to direct costs on a case-by-case basis in accordance with State of Texas per diem rates. Mandatory qualifications require respondents to demonstrate five (5) years of experience as a full-service consulting firm with expertise in compensation analysis with public U.S. pension funds and private sector firms, and two (2) years of historical investment position survey data for public U.S. pension funds and private sector firms with the ability to select a specific peer group of larger pension plans with actively managed investments. The solicitation includes a requirement for Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) Subcontracting Plan submission, as subcontracting opportunities are probable under the anticipated contract(s). Evaluation will be based on best overall value standards using weighted criteria: Respondent Past Performance (20%), Respondent's Key Personnel (30%), Proposed Performance Details (30%), and Proposed Pricing (20%). TRS has exclusive purchasing authority under Texas Government Code Section 825.103(d) and is statutorily exempt from certain state purchasing requirements.

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Teacher ReƟrement System of Texas

Request for Proposals (“RFP”) SolicitaƟon Name: CompensaƟon Study and CompensaƟon Data Services

SolicitaƟon Number: TRS000667 NIGP Class/Item Codes: 952-38

AnƟcipated Schedule of Events

May 1, 2026

Issuance of RFP

May 11, 2026, 3:00 pm, Central Time

Pre-Proposal conference attendance is not mandatory and will be held virtually via TEAMS.

Please see the Summary Details section below.

May 18, 2026, 3:00 p.m., Central Time Deadline for submission of questions

June 3, 2026, 3:00 p.m., Central Time Deadline for submission of Proposals Late Proposals may not be considered

TBD Presentations, demonstrations, interviews, and/or site visits by top-ranked Respondents, if requested.

TRS may elect to conduct presentations, demonstrations, interviews and/or site visits as part of the evaluation process.

SolicitaƟon Contents

I. Summary Details II. Definitions III. Summary of Procurement and Services IV. Price Form V. Veteran Heroes United in Business Subcontracting Plan Requirements and Information VI. Evaluation Process and Criteria VII. Proposal Submittal Instructions VIII. General Solicitation Instructions IX. Draft Contract (separate document)

SolicitaƟon SecƟon I:

Summary Details

I. Summary Details

Purpose/Overview TRS is seeking a qualified Contractor to perform a competitive pay analysis of TRS investment positions, assessing the competitiveness of base salary and incentive compensation by job title for both filled and vacant roles

Type of Solicitation Request for Proposal (“RFP”) Issuing Agency

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (“TRS”) Procurement & Contracts 4655 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas 78723 Attention: Carolyn Knowles

Purchasing Authority Competitive procurement per Texas Government Code Section 825.103

Mandatory Requirements and Qualifications

1. Respondent must have five (5) years’ experience as a full-service consulting firm with expertise in compensation analysis with Public U.S. pension funds and Private sector firms

2. Respondent must have two (2) years of historical investment position survey data (from CIO to a starting investment analyst) for Public U.S. pension funds and private sector firms with the ability to choose a specific peer group of larger pension plans with actively managed investments.

Responses to Solicitation Respondents are required to submit Responses in TRS’ Procurement and Vendor E-System (“PAVES”).

Please see “Proposal Submission Instructions” section on how to create a confirmed bidder account for purposes of submitting a Proposal.

Deadline for Proposals See due date provided in the Anticipated Schedule of Events located on page 1 of this RFP.

Contract Term The Contract term will be five (5) years from effective date of Contract.

TRS Procurement and Contracts Representative for this Solicitation

Carolyn Knowles Carolyn.knowles@trs.texas.gov

All questions and inquiries about this Solicitation must be sent to the Procurement and Contracts Representative only.

Contact with TRS Staff Upon issuance of this Solicitation, Respondents and their representatives shall not discuss the contents of this Solicitation with anyone (including other Respondents, potential Respondents, or their representatives), other than the TRS Procurement and Contract Representative identified above.

Except where one of the Vendors is a reseller, Vendors shall not discuss this Solicitation with other Vendors, as such communication may be viewed as possible collusion, which may lead to disqualification. Failure of a Respondent or any of its representatives to observe this restriction may result in disqualification of any related Proposal.

This restriction does not preclude discussions between affected parties for the purpose of conducting business unrelated to this Solicitation.

TRS Veteran Heroes United in Business Coordinator

Blender Hill

(512) 542-6867 Blender.Hill@trs.texas.gov

Pre-Proposal Conference The Pre-Proposal Conference will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. See Anticipated Schedule of Events for date and time. To be sent the invite, Respondents must e-mail the TRS Procurement and Contract Representative by May 11, 2026, 10 a.m., Central Time.

By attending the pre-proposal conference, attendees agree to allow TRS to include their name and email address from the pre-proposal conference virtual sign-in sheet in an Addendum issued by TRS following the conference.

During the pre-proposal conference, TRS will provide an overview of how to register and submit a Proposal in PAVES. Potential Respondents are encouraged to attend.

Solicitation Addenda Changes to items directly impacting the Solicitation will be posted as an Addendum on the Electronic State Business Daily (“ESBD”) located at https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd and in PAVES.

It is the responsibility of an interested party to periodically check PAVES or the ESBD for updates to the Solicitation prior to submitting a Proposal.

Questions and Answers Respondents may submit questions regarding this Solicitation to TRS through PAVES by participating in the Question Round of this Solicitation and following the instructions found in “How to Submit a Proposal.”

Questions must be received no later than the due date provided in the Anticipated Schedule of Events. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

Each Respondent is solely responsible for verifying TRS’ receipt of its questions.

Respondent Presentations, Interviews, and/or Demonstrations

TRS may request that top-scoring Respondents present an overview of Services proposed in their Proposals. Presentations, interviews, and/or demonstrations will either be performed virtually or at TRS’ offices located at 4655 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. For dates and time see Anticipated Schedule of Events. The number of top-scoring Respondents will be determined by TRS at its sole discretion.

SolicitaƟon SecƟon II:

DefiniƟons

II. Definitions

As used in this SolicitaƟon, the following capitalized terms shall have the meaning specified below:

A. Agency or TRS: Teacher ReƟrement System of Texas

B. ArƟficial intelligence (“AI”): (1) A branch of computer science devoted to developing data processing systems that perform funcƟons normally associated with human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, and self-improvement. (2) The capability of a device to perform funcƟons that are normally associated with human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, and self-improvement.

C. Bid, Offer, Proposal, or Response: Documents submiƩed by a Respondent in response to this SolicitaƟon. “Response” has the same meaning as “Bid”, “Offer” or “Proposal” when such terms are used in the SolicitaƟon.

D. Contract: The definiƟve wriƩen agreement resulƟng from this SolicitaƟon executed by an authorized representaƟve of TRS and Contractor that formalizes the terms, provisions, covenants, and obligaƟons of the parƟes, including, but not limited to, those contained in this SolicitaƟon.

E. Contract Manager: The person designated by TRS to be the point of contact between TRS and Contractor for monitoring Contract performance and providing day-to-day interacƟon and instrucƟon during the term of the Contract.

F. Contractor or Vendor: The Respondent awarded a contract resulƟng from this SolicitaƟon.

“Contractor” or “Vendor” includes employees, representaƟves, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, and third-party service providers, regardless of how such persons or enƟƟes are employed or contracted.

G. Contractor Key Personnel: Individuals who contribute to the development or execuƟon of a project in a substanƟve, measurable way and whose absence from the project would be expected to impact Contractor’s performance.

H. Days: Calendar days, unless otherwise specified.

I. Financial Interest: Receiving, or having a right to receive, money or other valuable property or benefits under or in connecƟon with the actual or proposed contract; holding a posiƟon in a business such as a principal, officer, director, trustee, partner, employee, or the like, or holding a posiƟon of management; holding any of the outstanding debt of a person directly involved in the proposed or resulƟng Contract; or owning stock or other interest in the business.

J. Fiscal Year (FY): The State of Texas and TRS fiscal year that begins September 1 and ends August 31.

K. Project Manager: The individual who will have primary responsibility for planning, procurement, and execuƟon of the project on Contractor’s behalf in any undertaking that has a defined scope, start, and finish, regardless of industry.

L. RelaƟve: A current or former TRS employee’s spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, son or stepson, daughter or stepdaughter, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law.

M. Respondent: The individual or enƟty submiƫng an Offer, Proposal, or Response in response to this SolicitaƟon.

N. Responsive Proposal: A Proposal that meets all minimum qualificaƟons and VETHUB and other submission requirements.

O. Services: All requirements, duƟes, schedules, locaƟons, and other items specified in this SolicitaƟon, including Services associated with Contractor’s performance under a Contract resulƟng from this SolicitaƟon. Also referred to as “Work.”

P. Vendor or Contractor: The Respondent awarded a contract resulƟng from this SolicitaƟon.

“Vendor” or “Contractor” includes employees, representaƟves, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, and third-party service providers, regardless of how such persons or enƟƟes are employed or contracted.

Solicitation Section III:

Summary of Procurement and Services

III. Summary of Procurement and Services

A. Introduction

TRS, a public pension fund and enƟty of the State of Texas created pursuant to arƟcle XVI, secƟon 67 of the Texas ConsƟtuƟon and Ɵtles 7 and 8 of the Texas Government Code, issues this SolicitaƟon to select qualified vendors to perform a compeƟƟve pay analysis of TRS investment posiƟons, assessing the compeƟƟveness of base salary and incenƟve compensaƟon by job Ɵtle for both filled and vacant roles. TRS reserves the right to make no award, a single award, or mulƟple awards.

B. Background

TRS Pension Fund. TRS is a service-oriented public pension system providing retirement, healthcare, and related benefit programs for Texas public education employees, retirees, and their beneficiaries (“Participants”). TRS’ mission is to improve plan Participants’ retirement security by prudently investing and managing trust assets and delivering benefits that positively impact Participants’ lives.

C. Services to Be Provided

The selected Respondent shall provide Services in accordance with this Solicitation, inclusive of the Contract. The Scope of Work (“SOW”) located within the draft Contract portion of this Solicitation contains two (2) main Service categories as follows:

1. Compensation Study

2. Salary Survey Data Services

Solicitation Section IV:

Price Form

IV. Price Form

Respondents shall propose fully loaded, firm, fixed prices or hourly rates that are inclusive of all costs of performance, including materials, equipment, labor, communicaƟon, and planning to successfully complete Services. If offered, Respondent must provide line-item pricing for each opƟonal feature, product, or service.

Direct costs for travel expenses may be paid, provided prior wriƩen approval is obtained from TRS’ Contract Manager. Payment of travel costs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. If approved, travel costs shall be paid in accordance with State of Texas per diem rates and guidelines. SubmiƩed invoices shall include itemized travel expenses to the extent applicable. Reimbursement is limited to direct costs (no indirect costs) on a case-by-case basis and requires prior wriƩen approval by TRS’ Contract Manager before the cost is incurred.

Proposed pricing will be evaluated based on fairness, reasonableness, and overall value for TRS.

Respondent is required to use the format of this Price Form and its failure to do so may disqualify its Response.

Item Firm Price Biannual Compensation Analysis Optional Survey Data between biannual Analysis

SolicitaƟon SecƟon V:

Veteran Heroes United in Business

(VetHUB) SubcontracƟng Plan Requirements and InformaƟon

V. Veteran Heroes United in Business Subcontracting Plan Requirements and Information

In accordance with section 2161.252 of the Texas Government Code and section 20.285 of title 34 of the Texas Administrative Code, each state agency that considers entering a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more over the life of the contract (including any renewals) shall, before the agency solicits bids, proposals, offers, or other applicable expressions of interest, determine whether subcontracting opportunities are probable under the contract. If subcontracting opportunities are probable, each state agency’s invitation for bids, requests for proposals, or other purchase solicitation documents with an expected value of $100,000 or more shall state that probability and, if probable, require a Veteran Heroes United in Business (“VetHUB”) Subcontracting Plan (“HSP”).

A. TRS’ Determination of VETHUB Subcontracting Opportunities

An evaluaƟon of potenƟal subcontracƟng opportuniƟes was conducted in accordance with secƟon 2161.252 of the Texas Government Code and it was determined that there are probable subcontracƟng opportuniƟes under anƟcipated Contract(s) resulƟng from this SolicitaƟon.

Accordingly, Respondents are required to submit an HSP with Responses and follow the instrucƟons in secƟon B below regarding how to complete an HSP.

If, aŌer execuƟon of any Contract(s) resulƟng from this SolicitaƟon, Contractor determines a need to subcontract services, materials, or supplies to a subcontractor not on the approved HSP, Contractor must receive prior wriƩen approval from TRS regarding such subcontracƟng and request a review of a revised HSP. Contractor may not uƟlize a subcontractor without prior wriƩen approval from TRS. If an HSP is required, Contractor must complete, sign, and submit a Progress Assessment Report (PAR) form to TRS on a monthly basis via PAVES no later than the last day of the month for the remaining life of the Contract. Failure to submit the PAR Form with the invoice will cause delay in payment. The PAR Form shall be completed by Contractor, even if Contractor declares “self-performing” on the HSP. The PAR Form will be provided to Contractor following execuƟon of the Contract.

B. Instructions for Completing an HSP

The HSP form and instrucƟons for how to complete it may be accessed at:

hƩps://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php. If a Respondent intends to subcontract any porƟon of Services to a subcontractor other than a cerƟfied VetHUB, Respondent must retain documentaƟon reflecƟng that it conducted a solicitaƟon as part of a good faith effort to locate a cerƟfied VetHUB to provide the Service.

For informaƟon on how to complete an HSP, please contact TRS’ VetHUB Coordinator, Blender Hill at blender.hill@trs.texas.gov. Respondents must obtain prior approval from TRS if they wish to make changes to the HSP aŌer it is submiƩed.

C. VetHUB Subcontracting Opportunities for this Solicitation

The NaƟonal InsƟtute of Government Purchasing Commodity Book class, item codes, and commodity descripƟons for the VetHUB subcontracƟng opportuniƟes under this SolicitaƟon are listed below. Full commodity descripƟons may be found at hƩps://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/nigp/. This list should not be considered exhausƟve;

addiƟonal opportuniƟes may be added at Respondent’s opƟon.

Class Item Description 952 38 Employee Assistance Programs 952 58 Human Resources Development Services

D. Finding VetHUB Vendors

For a list of VetHUB vendors, Respondents may use the Centralized Masters Bidders List (“CMBL”) and VETHUB Directory by following these instrucƟons:

1. Access the CMBL and VetHUB Directory at:

hƩps://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/tpasscmblsearch.do.

2. The CMBL page will default to certain fields already checked. Ensure that ‘All Vendors’ is searched.

3. Enter the Class and Item codes (leave ‘Item’ blank to select any).

4. Enter District number to select specific geographic locaƟon (leave ‘District’ blank to select all).

5. Click ‘Submit Search’ buƩon.

6. Detail list page will default to certain fields already checked.

7. Check ethnicity fields, gender fields, business descripƟon, and any other fields needed. Click ‘Go.’

8. IdenƟfy VetHUBs on the ‘Results For CMBL Plus VetHUBs’ search page (VetHUB category is on far right).

9. Select VetHUB vendor and click on company name. Use the most current lisƟng.

10. Confirm that ‘VetHUB Status’ is “A” (Approved; AcƟve) on ‘Vendor Detail’ page.

11. If vendor appears to meet your needs, solicit a bid or response of interest.

12. Repeat process unƟl you have found a minimum of three (3) cerƟfied VetHUBs for each subcontracƟng opportunity/area idenƟfied by TRS or your company.

SolicitaƟon SecƟon VI:

Evaluation Process and Criteria

VI. Evaluation Process and Criteria

TRS has exclusive authority under SecƟon 825.103(d) of the Texas Government Code over purchasing goods and services and is statutorily exempt from subƟtles D and F of Ɵtle 10 of the Texas Government Code. In purchasing and contracƟng for goods and services, TRS will select the vendor who represents best overall value for TRS based on the candidate’s qualificaƟons, experience, acceptance of TRS contract terms and condiƟons, proposed pricing, and other relevant factors that are in TRS’ best interests and comply with TRS' fiduciary duƟes. “Best overall value” means a combinaƟon of factors that, in the judgment of the Board, are most consistent with the best interests of TRS.

A. Initial Submission Compliance Screening and Minimum Qualifications

During iniƟal screening, TRS will review Proposals for compliance with submission requirements.

Failure to meet submission requirements may, at any Ɵme, result in a Respondent’s disqualificaƟon. Proposals that do not meet the following minimum qualificaƟons will also be rejected as non-responsive and disqualified:

Item 1: Respondent must provide documentation demonstrating that their organization has five

(5) years’ experience as a full-service consulting firm with expertise in compensation analysis with public U.S. pension funds and private sector firms.

Item 2: Respondent must provide documentation demonstrating that their organization has two

(2) years of historical investment position survey data (from Chief Investment Officer to a starting investment analyst) for public U.S. pension funds and private sector firms with the ability to choose a specific peer group of larger pension plans with actively managed investments.

B. Evaluation: Initial Round

Proposals which meet all minimum qualificaƟons will advance to the IniƟal Round of Proposal evaluaƟon. An evaluaƟon commiƩee will evaluate all Responsive Proposals during the IniƟal Round. TRS may ask quesƟons of or request clarificaƟon from any Respondent about its Proposal during the IniƟal Round. All such quesƟons and clarificaƟon requests shall be provided to Respondents by TRS’ Procurement and Contracts RepresentaƟve. Responses will be scored under best value standards which are in TRS’ best interests using the following general categories for which weights are shown:

Evaluation Criteria Weight Respondent Past Performance 20%

Respondent’s Key Personnel 30% Proposed Performance Details 30% Proposed Pricing 20% Total 100%

AŌer IniƟal Round evaluaƟons are complete, TRS may (1) ask all or only top-scoring Respondents to parƟcipate in a PresentaƟon, Interview, and/or DemonstraƟon Round, (2) determine that such a round is unnecessary and ask all or only top-scoring Respondents to parƟcipate in a Best and Final Offer (“BAFO”) Round, or (3) make one or more contract awards based on IniƟal Round evaluaƟons.

C. Evaluation: Optional Presentation, Interview, and/or Demonstration Round – Selection

Criteria: 10 points

The PresentaƟon, Interview, and/or DemonstraƟon Round allows Respondents to highlight the strengths and unique aspects of their Responses. TRS may ask quesƟons of or request clarificaƟons from any Respondent during this Round. All such quesƟons and clarificaƟon requests shall be provided to Respondents by TRS’ Procurement and Contracts RepresentaƟve. EvaluaƟon criteria for the PresentaƟon, Interview, and/or DemonstraƟon Round may include, but are not limited to, Respondent’s:

1. Demonstrated understanding of RFP requirements and ability to satisfactorily describe the processes/methodologies for delivering Services.

2. Demonstrated experience in undertakings similar in scope and complexity to those indicated in this Solicitation, including past performance.

3. Team member interaction and Respondent’s interaction with TRS.

4. Presentation quality and ability to meet TRS’ needs.

AŌer the PresentaƟon, Interview, and/or DemonstraƟon Round, Respondents may be required to submit wriƩen answers to quesƟons asked during this Round. PresentaƟons, Interviews, and/or DemonstraƟons will be individually evaluated by each evaluator, who shall provide a score from 0 to 10, with ten being the highest score. Point allocaƟon for this Round will be used to determine which Respondent(s) are considered for the next round. Points allocated for this Round will not be added to any previous or future round. AŌer this Round is complete, TRS may (1) ask all or only top-scoring Respondents to parƟcipate in a BAFO Round or (2) make one or more contract awards based on PresentaƟon, Interview, and/or DemonstraƟon Round evaluaƟons.

D. Evaluation: Optional BAFO Round

As the BAFO Round is an opƟonal round, TRS strongly encourages Respondents to provide their best pricing and terms with their iniƟal Proposal. TRS may ask quesƟons of and request clarificaƟon from any Respondent during this Round. TRS may also request that any Respondent provide addiƟonal informaƟon during this Round. All such quesƟons and requests shall be provided to Respondents by TRS’ Procurement and Contracts RepresentaƟve. All informaƟon provided to TRS during each round of the evaluaƟon process is taken into consideraƟon in the

BAFO Round. Scoring will be based on the same criteria as the IniƟal Round. Points allocated for this Round will not be added to any other round. AŌer this Round is complete, TRS may make one or more contract awards based on BAFO Round evaluaƟons.

Solicitation Section VII:

Proposal Submittal Instructions

E. Proposal Submission Instructions

Submission Through PAVES

Respondents are required to submit Responses through PAVES. If awarded a Contract, Contractor will be required to set up a PAVES account, which requires:

1. 2-factor authentication with a cell phone

2. A separate login and password to be created for all Contractor contacts, including Contractor’s accounting department

3. Invoices and deliverables to be submitted through PAVES

A. PAVES

PotenƟal Respondents can find informaƟon about PAVES on TRS’ website at:

hƩps://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/procurement_PAVES.aspx. The following instrucƟons have been developed to assist Respondents in creaƟng and maintaining a PAVES account:

1. PAVES Basic Navigation for Suppliers

2. New Supplier Registration

3. How to Submit a Proposal

4. How to Activate Supplier Profile (if awarded Contract)

B. Creating PAVES Account and Becoming Confirmed Bidder

To become a confirmed bidder in PAVES, Respondent must complete the New Supplier RegistraƟon process. By submiƫng Respondent company’s informaƟon, login credenƟals will be generated by which Respondent can access PAVES. Respondent will then be able to add addiƟonal company contacts, edit its profile, and bid on TRS solicitaƟons. The first step is for Respondent to log into the PAVES supplier portal and follow the instrucƟons for New Supplier RegistraƟon. If, aŌer submiƫng registraƟon, Respondent receives an e-mail staƟng that its registraƟon has been rejected, it’s most likely because Respondent has already been registered in PAVES. Respondents should note that a registraƟon request will be rejected if the submiƩed tax ID number already exists in PAVES. In that case, Respondents should contact the PAVES help desk at: PAVESHelp@trs.texas.gov.

C. Submitting a Proposal in PAVES

Once a Respondent is logged into PAVES, it may submit a Proposal by following these instructions:

1. Click the “Solicitations” tab at the top

2. Then, click “Show public request for proposals”

3. Then, click the pencil icon next to the name of the solicitation round in which you wish to participate

4. Then, click “Participate in RFx” (you may be asked to click “I acknowledge receipt of this RFx”)

5. Then, select “WILL BID: our intent is to respond to this RFx”

Respondent should follow the instructions found at “How to Submit a Proposal” to complete the PAVES Questionnaire and submit a Proposal. Respondent should note that any solicitation documents, including Addenda, will be found in the section called “Round Documents” within the Overview tab of the Initial Round.

Solicitation Section VIII:

General Solicitation Information

VIII. General Solicitation Information

a. Resulting Contract

A Response is an offer to contract based upon the terms, condiƟons, and specificaƟons set forth in this SolicitaƟon and does not become part of the Contract, unless, unƟl, and to the extent a formal agreement is executed by authorized representaƟves of TRS and Contractor.

b. Addenda

Addenda will be created for any changes to the SolicitaƟon. Such changes may concern, for example, deadline dates, responses to quesƟons, the SOW, or updates to aƩached documentaƟon. Addenda will generally be posted to the ESBD or in PAVES. Addenda shall be considered part of the SolicitaƟon and will require acknowledgement via Respondent signature.

No explanaƟons, interpretaƟons, or changes will be considered official or binding, unless stated in a posted Addendum. It is Respondent’s responsibility to ensure review of all Addenda.

c. Cost of Preparing Response

Respondents are responsible for all costs incurred in the preparaƟon and submission of a Response.

d. Quantity and Nature of Work

Respondents are required to inform themselves of all condiƟons which may affect performance or pricing of Services. By submiƫng a Response, Respondents expressly waive claims of misunderstanding as to the quanƟƟes or nature of Work required.

e. Late Responses

It is a Respondent’s responsibility to ensure Ɵmely delivery of a Response to TRS by the due date and Ɵme noted on the first page of this SolicitaƟon. Late Responses may not be considered.

f. TRS’ Acceptance and Rejection of Responses; Solicitation Cancellation

TRS may reject Responses that do not comply with SolicitaƟon requirements or state law. TRS may also accept or reject all or part of a Response, request, in its sole discreƟon, that any or all Respondents correct any perceived minor deficiencies in Responses, or award Contract(s) by item or groups of items in the best interests of TRS. TRS reserves the right to cancel this SolicitaƟon at any Ɵme before Contract execuƟon.

g. Certification of Interested Parties

SecƟon 2252.908 of the Government Code provides that a state agency may not execute certain contracts with a business enƟty, unless the enƟty submits a cerƟficate of interested parƟes form (“Form 1295”) to the state agency at the Ɵme the enƟty submits the signed contract to the state agency. The Texas Ethics Commission has provided a list of Frequently Asked QuesƟons and Form 1295 on its website at hƩps://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/ for Respondents’ review. If Contractor meets requirements for submission of Form 1295, Contractor will be given instrucƟons on how to obtain the form at the Ɵme of Contract award.

h. Conflicts of Interest

Respondents shall provide informaƟon concerning known potenƟal, apparent, or actual conflicts of interest with their Response behind the applicable tab. Respondents maintain a conƟnuing obligaƟon to disclose known conflicts of interest during the solicitaƟon process and life of any resulƟng Contract. TRS may refuse to contract with a Respondent or terminate any Contract due to known potenƟal, apparent, or actual conflicts of interest.

i. Protest Procedures

Any protest to this SolicitaƟon or any Contract award resulƟng from this SolicitaƟon shall be governed by 34 Tex. Admin. Code § 51.2 (relaƟng to Vendor Protests and Appeals). All protests, appeals, and stay requests, if any, must be Ɵmely submiƩed to LegalNoƟces@trs.texas.gov.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .