ESBD_File_331212_TRS000395_ISPMAS_Addendum 1.pdf

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

August 15, 2023

ADDENDUM NUMBER 1

TO

SOLICITATION NO. TRS000395

FOR

Investment Systems Program Management Advisory Services

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: August 23, 2023, 3:00 PM Central Time

LISTED BELOW ARE THE CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THIS SOLICITATION.

ISSUED BY:

Max Hernandez, Contract Developer Date 8/15/2021

NOTE: RESPONDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS ADDENDUM BY SIGNING AND DATING BELOW AND INCLUDING WITH SUBMITTED RESPONSE. RESPONSE MAY BE CONSIDERED

NON-RESPONSIVE IF THIS COVER PAGE IS NOT SIGNED AND RETURNED.

RESPONDENT SIGNATURE DATE

Addendum #1 Solicitation No. TRS000395

ADDENDUM No 1 **** Important Notice to Vendors ****

SOLICITATION NO.: TRS000395

FOR

Investment Systems Program Management Advisory Services

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: August 23, 2023, 3:00 PM Central Time

This Addendum is issued to answers to submitted questions and provide clarifications to the solicitation.

Question/Answers:

The attached TRS000395_Add 1_Q&A exhibit includes TRS answers to Respondent questions.

Solicitation Changes

1. To ensure TRS receives the best service and independent advice we will not award a contract for the services described in this Investment Systems Program Management Advisory Services TRS000395 RFP to any vendor awarded a contract resulting from the Investment Data Modernization TRS000436 RFP.

2. RFP Page 9, Paragraph 2. Description of Work, removing:

d. Business Analysis services

e. Business case development

j. Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V).

3. RFP Page 9, Paragraph 4. Contract Key Personnel, adding:

TRS reserves the right to request that Contractor replace any Contractor employee whom TRS judges to be incompetent, careless, unsuitable, or otherwise objectionable, or whose continued use is deemed contrary to the best interests of the State and TRS. Upon receipt of a formal written request from TRS’ Primary Contact, Contractor shall propose to TRS a replacement with the same or similar expertise as the individual being replaced who shall perform the services required by the Contract, subject to the approval of TRS.

Contractor may not use a subcontractor on this Contract without first receiving written approval from TRS regarding the proposed subcontractor. If Contractor is required to submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) and the proposed subcontractor is not listed on the HSP, an amendment of the HSP will be required. Any work to be performed by such proposed subcontractor may not be initiated until the subcontractor has been added to the HSP.

As set forth in TRS’ Background Check Policy, a criminal background check (CBC) of Contractor’s staff is required if, at any time during the life of this Contract, the staff assigned to work on this contract meets any or all of the criteria listed below:

• Obtains a TRS user ID or password

• Has unlimited security badge access for any length of time

• Has limited security badge access for longer than 14 days

Addendum #1 Solicitation No. TRS000395

Further, a CBC may be required depending on the level of access to TRS resources and facilities that is required to perform the services. The CBC will be performed by TRS and the Contractor is required to reimburse TRS for the cost of the CBC within 30 days of receipt of notification that the background check is complete.

4. RFP Page 11, replacing previous wording of subparagraph f. Invoices, with:

In accordance with Paragraph 8. Invoicing Requirements, below, the Contractor must submit separate invoice(s) for each Work Order, (invoices must not reference multiple Work Orders) and only for the work that has been completed and approved by TRS Project Manager. Each invoice must include the Work Order number and any Work Order title.

Work Order invoices must conform to the Contract.

5. RFP Page 13-14, Paragraph 11. Contractor Staffing - Deleted

TRS000395_Add 1_Q&A.xlsx

Number Group Section Description Question Answer 1 I E.1 Mandatory Requirements &

Qualifications Dependencies? What kind of Dependencies should the Consultant be planning for? Proposed Solution?

Or Proposed Solution Functionality? Or Any other related solution or infrastructure implementation?

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. Any of the mentioned services could apply.

2 I F Proposal Submission Can the Proposal be submitted in a PowerPoint format? Respondents may upload documents in the following formats: .pdf, .xlxs, and .docx. PAVES does not recognize PowerPoint format.

3 I H Initial Contract Term TRS-T proposes to start the initiative around June-2024, is the Initial Contract Term start date is from June-2024 or earlier for a 1-year period?

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. The first work order may be around an initial planning effort and may start prior to June 2024.

4 I N Questions and Answers Can be submitted in a Microsoft Excel Format? Respondents may upload documents in the following formats: .pdf, .xlxs, and .docx. PAVES does not recognize PowerPoint format.

5 II A Scope of Work - Introduction This RFP response should be only for the planning and managing the implementation of ONLY "Investment Systems Program Management Investment Systems Program Management Advisory Services"? Or should is the Consultant responsible for "managing the implementation of IBOR, ABOR, OMS, EMS, or any other related applications" OR "managing the implementation of Cloud-based solutions"

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. Any of the mentioned services could apply.

6 II A Scope of Work - Introduction As per the scope, the vendor needs to assist with the planning, implementing, and monitoring the Investment Data Modernization Program based on the business goals. Whom will we be reporting to in TRS - will this be the COO organization, or will it be the CIO organization?

This is not relevant to the proposal

7 II A Scope of Work - Introduction Do you already have a partner vendor who is assisting with your running current engagements and will be part of the new implementation program?

This RFP will determine who our vendor partner from a program and project management perspective will be.

8 II A Scope of Work - Introduction Will this Consultant selected for this program be part of the product selection committee? No

9 II A Scope of Work - Introduction Do you expect that the project/program management team need to have the background of the selected product(s)?

It is not required but would be viewed as advantageous

10 II B.2.a Program Management advisory and consulting services;

Does this equate to a position or a role specifically with this Program and mostly provide oversight and advisory, with no specific / actual deliverables?

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. This could include, but is not limited to, oversight, advisory, program and project management services.

11 II B.2.b Program Management services; Do we have to setup a "Program Management Office" and manage only this program and all other related programs

TRS has a Program and Project Management Office that this vendor will partner with. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. The scope of the master services contract is limited to activates for the Investment Data Modernization Program and associated projects underneath the program.

12 II B.2.c Project Management services; Would there be a need for each of the key projects within the umbrella program and sub-projects? Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

13 II B.2.d Business Analysis services; Business Analysis generally requires a resource or pool of resources with "industry and subject matter expertise". Is there a need for considering additional resources with "Technical Expertise - with Architecture (application, solutions, enterprise), Data Architecture, Data Management, Data Migration, Azure Cloud, Solution Implementation & Integration?

Some technical expertise may be applicable as pertinent to the advisory service. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. For more technical services, consider responding to the Data and Analytics technical consulting services

TRS000396.

14 II B.2.e Business case development; Is the Business Case required for each of the Work Order(s) or for the overall program (at umbrella level)?

No, Business case has been established for the overall program

15 II B.2.f Cost to benefit analysis; Is the "Cost versus Benefits" analysis required for each of the Work Order(s) or for the overall program (at umbrella level)?

No

Addendum 1 - Questions & Answers RFP: TRS000395 - Investment Systems Program Management Advisory Services

16 II B.2.g Risk assessment; Is the "Risk Assessment" required for each of the Work Order(s) or for the overall program (at umbrella level)?

No

17 II B.2.h Stakeholder management; Are the Stakeholders mainly associated with this Program or any other programs? Stakeholders could be involved with multiple programs. However, these program management services are for one of TRS’s strategic initiatives.

18 II B.2.i Organizational change management;

Do they have OCM resources / would they be dedicated to this program? Yes

19 II B.2.i Organizational change management;

Is there an existing OCM method such as PROSCI which has been used successfully on other programs? Yes, TRS has a mature OCM program

20 II B.2.i Organizational change management;

Are there communication resources who can support this program? Yes

21 II B.2.i Organizational change management;

What are the current LMS or training capabilities? TRS has a mature OCM department that can assist in training support. TRS LMS of record is Cornerstone.

22 II B.2.i Organizational change management;

Is there readily available documentation such as org charts or stakeholder data? This information is available through a Public Information Request: https://foia.trs.texas.gov/

23 II B.2.i Organizational change management;

Is there prior programs of a similar nature that can be reviewed for successes or challenges? This information is available through a Public Information Request: https://foia.trs.texas.gov/

24 II B.2.j Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), Should we consider this activity as a comprehensive "Test Scripting, Test Cases, Managing and Conducting Unit and Systems Integration Testing" of ONLY for the ""Investment Systems Program Management Investment Systems Program" or any other systems, applications, data?

Only for the Investment Data Modernization Program. Test execution is not in scope.

25 II B.2.j Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), Independent verification and validation will require us to provide testing resources and manage them, or you will have another set of vendors performing testing, and we need to manage and collaborate with them

TRS is looking for assistance with coordinating multiple implementation timelines with potentially multiple vendors and contracts. Work may include assisting TRS is contract monitoring. IV& V of project/program processes is not expected. Testing execution is not in scope. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

26 II B.2.j Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), What is the scope of IV&V? TRS is looking for assistance with coordinating multiple implementation timelines with potentially multiple vendors and contracts. Work may include assisting TRS is contract monitoring. IV& V of project/program processes is not expected. Testing execution is not in scope. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

27 II B.2.k Strategic planning; Is the "Strategic Planning" related to the ""Investment Systems Program Management Investment Systems Program" work orders or any other programs or projects? Does it mean to evaluate "dependencies, risks, mitigation plans, budget, spend, and other pertinent program success criteria" ?

Scope is limited to the Investment Systems Modernization Program and related projects. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

28 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

How different is "Program assessment; and Program Management" mentioned in section: II-B.2.a or II.B.2.b ?

Program assessment can be defined as actively engaging in self-evaluation and utilizing the findings to inform and improve the planning and implementation of program activities to more effectively carry out mission and achieve programmatic outcomes. Program management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to meet program requirements. Organizations with mature program management are far more successful than those without it, according to our research.

29 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program

Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

What is the overall scope wrt. the number of systems / applications people who are associated in delivery?

See the July 2022 Investment Data Modernization Program presentation to the TRS Board of Trustees starting on PDF page 7 located here: https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/budget-committee-book-july-2022.pdf. In addition to existing staff, an estimate of new Program Resourcing Needs is located on page 20 of the PDF.

30 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

Would the scope involve managing multiple vendors in TRS system modernization program? Potentially, yes

31 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

How does the existing program management run as per TRS PMO.

E.g. Program Management Structure / Frameworks, Processes and tools

Standard PMI methodology

32 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

What is the current ways of working from delivery perspective E.g.

- how requirements are managed

- Budgeting (project / program)

- frequency of releases

- is release application wise or overall program(product/value) wise

Will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP contract is awarded and vendor(s) are determined.

33 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

How is operations liaising with development to deliver to production? Will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP contract is awarded and vendor(s) are determined.

34 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

Training and Coaching – is there specific need or we design it for you holistically (Mindset, Behavioral, Engineering, Leadership) from enterprise agility perspective?

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

35 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program

Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

Is vendor training included in the scope? Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

36 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

To what extent business is involved in the current ways of working and what are the business roles involved?

See the July 2022 Investment Data Modernization Program presentation to the TRS Board of Trustees starting on PDF page 7 located here: https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/budget-committee-book-july-2022.pdf.

37 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

How much Agile awareness is there on the ground? TRS utilizes agile methodology to execute much of its project work and all of its technical work.

38 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

What is the level of automation wrt. build, test and deployment? Test execution is not in scope for this contract, test plan management may be. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

39 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

Is there an automated pipeline for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery? Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

40 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

How do you measure the delivery and business outcome currently? This is a new program

41 II B.2.l Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution

In the context of system modernization, to what extent below aspects are applicable?

- On premise to Cloud migration

- On premise - legacy to modern systems

- Architecture modernization - monolithic to microservice / API based?

- Database migration - moving to cloud - what extent of database change is in scope - completely new or changing schema / primary key only

All of these are possible scope for assessments and program management services

42 II B.2.a Major Focus Areas Does "related implementations" mean the OMS/EMS/IBOR/ABOR solution or projects / work orders within this umbrella program?

Yes

43 II B.2.b Major Focus Areas Does "including attending all required TRS governance and monitoring meetings" mean meetings and governance outside this program as well?

There is a potential for the selected vendor to need to attend TRS Board of Trustees meetings and agency project governance meetings.

44 II B.2.e Major Focus Areas Does "strategic and tactical technology partner and will sustain a consistent overall strategy across programs, projects and products" mean there will be a Senior SME / Advisor is required to provide general advisory outside this umbrella program of "Investment Systems Program Management Investment Systems Program Management Advisory Services"?

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

45 II B.3 Project Activities Should the Consultant plan to keep all of its resources from June-2024 up to Dec-2026 ? Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

46 II B.6 Acceptance Criteria for Deliverables Can you share any sample work orders and/or work plans which you have executed in the past As a completed sample work order/work plan is required portion of the Respondent proposal, TRS will not provide any sample work orders.

47 II B.6 Acceptance Criteria for Deliverables In these work orders, no tasks are required to be executed towards the actual product implementation.

Please confirm.

Technical work such as development, infrastructure set-up and data architecture are not in scope.

48 V A Evaluation Process - initial round The initial evaluation round has a 30% weightage to Sample Work Order. Please help explain the expectations in terms of content, terms, etc.

The sample work order gives TRS a way to evaluate your technical approach. Please provide a sample implementation plan, including proposed deliverables for the described work.

49 VI Price Form In the Price form section, you have requested Data Architects and Data Migration Consultants. Are these roles related to data mapping and migration tasks? Will the data architect be working on defining any of the As-Is/To-Be processes?

Potentially, yes. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

50 13 Attachments Section Could you please provide these attachments:

•A achment A: Sample Release of Claims Form to be returned with final invoice •A achment B: Code of Ethics for Contractors (COE) •A achment C: TRS Confiden al Informa on Procedures & Standards •A achment D: Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) •A achment E: Confiden ality Poli •A achment F: Informa on Security Policy •A achment G: Informa on Security Manual •A achment H: TRS Background Check Policy •A achment I: Sample Work Order •A achment J: TRS Allowable Travel Expenses •A achment K: Informa on Security Third-Party Assessment Form

All of forms are attached in the Documents tab of Sow: 1 - Round: 1 in PAVES

51 Why are you doing this? What is the Goal? What are the key drivers of this initiative? Growth? Risk?

Aging Platforms? Please Explain.

See the July 2022 Investment Data Modernization Program presentation to the TRS Board of Trustees starting on PDF page 7 located here: https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/budget-committee-book-july-2022.pdf.

52 How do you expect to measure success as it relates to the goal? This will be determined as a part of the planning/initiation phase.

53 How do you expect to measure success as it relates to the services provided under this RFP? This will be determined as a part of the planning/initiation phase.

54 Is there a target operating model? Can it be shared in order to assist us in responding properly to this

RFP?

This will be determined as a part of the planning/initiation phase.

55 Are there requirements or stories/epics that may be shared in order to assist us in responding to this

RFP?

The backlog of work will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded and system vendors are known.

56 Is there a list of risks and/or issues in the current infrastructure that may be shared in order to assist us in responding to this RFP.

This information will be made available to the awarded vendor

57 We note the sponsors identified. Please describe the sponsorship structure of this program. Is this primarily driven by business or technology or some combination of both? What are the envisaged roles of business and technology stakeholders?

This is a joint effort between TRS Investment Management Division and IT. There are both Business and IT Sponsors and stakeholders.

58 Please provide a statement clearly identifying the scope of this program relative to business functions and technology platforms.

See the Executive Summary, PDF page 9 on the July 2022 Investment Data Modernization Program presentation to the TRS Board of Trustees located here:

https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/budget-committee-book-july-2022.pdf.

59 What methodology conventions does Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRSoT) adhere to for: Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

60 a. Systems development Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

61 b. COTS implementation Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

62 c. Testing Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

63 d. Change management Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

64 e. Program management Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

65 f. Project management Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

66 g. Other as required Methodology will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

67 If there are specific standards embraced by TRSoT applied or required (e.g. ISO xxxx) please identify. The purpose of asking is to ensure we assemble appropriate skillsets to properly respond to this RFP

TRS expects vendor to be able to supply staff skilled in waterfall and agile project management. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

68 We note the identification of TRS PMO personnel in this solicitation. What would the anticipated relationship be between the team provided via this solicitation and such an organization? How is that envisaged to fit with the relationship between Investment Data Modernization and the PMO?

TRS PMO is responsible for the overall program and project management of the program and will partner with the selected vendor on all engagements.

69 Please explain the relationship between this (RFP TRS000395) and the other RFP we see listed on PAVES, specifically:

a. TRS000436_SOW 0_RFP Investment Data Modernization Initial_Mandatory

b. TRS000436_SOW 1_RFP Investment Data Modernization Initial_EMS_OMS

c. TRS000436_SOW 2_RFP Investment Data Modernization IBOR

d. TRS000436_SOW 3_RFP Investment Data Modernization ABOR

This RFP is to provide program and project management advisory, implementation, and integration oversight services in support of the listed RFP's as stated in the Scope of Work.

70 TRS000395 States it is an RFP for Program Management Advisory Services. We note the summary says "The Contractor will provide program management, project management, data mapping, data migration, and related consulting services " We would typically take that to mean that the services provided would include both program and project management and also hands on skills related to the implementation itself. Is there or will there be an additional solicitation for implementation and integration services connected with this initiative and will successful (and/or unsuccessful) bidders pe restricted from responding? How should we think about this?

There is no additional solicitation planned at this time.

71 Does TRSoT expect program IV&V and Program Management to be provided by the same vendor? Will there be a separate and independent IV&V? Our experience in successfully managing transformation programs is that IV&V is typically separate from the services we provide. How should we think about this? Should we consider bringing an IV&V partner to the table?

TRS is looking for assistance with coordinating multiple implementation timelines with potentially multiple vendors and contracts. Work may include assisting TRS is contract monitoring. IV& V of project/program processes is not expected. A partner IV& V vendor is not expected. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

72 Why does the anticipated work as awarded under this RFP begin in June 2024? While we understand that programs of this nature are often structured in phases, our experience in successfully managing large transformation programs for our clients suggests we would expect a significant amount of preparatory work to need to be done before the kick off of any implementation work, especially as it may involve planning, budgeting, business case preparation and approval, etc.… Put another way - were we to be selected we would expect to begin as early as reasonably possible.

June 2024 is the date projected for the contract execution of the overall Investment Data Modernization RFP. Planning work associated with this RFP for Program and Project Management Advisory Services will begin prior to that.

73 What is driving the timeline for this project? Are there external deadlines that need to be observed? Are there problems with existing infrastructure that they create urgency in and of themselves?

The timeline is driven by the internal program team and approved by the TRS Board of Trustees. No specific external deadlines. For more information on the existing infrastructure, see the July 2022 Investment Data Modernization Program presentation to the TRS Board of Trustees starting on PDF page 7 located here: https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/budget-committee-book-july-2022.pdf.

74 The work envisaged seems to focus on core investment platforms. In our experience, while supporting business operations is extremely important, ultimately the purpose of transforming such processes is generally to provide and distribute quality data to stakeholders be they the board, members and employers, state entities, portfolio managers, risk managers, actuaries, finance groups etc.… What part does meeting those needs play in this scope of work? Does TRSoT have a data strategy that speaks to these needs? Can such a strategy be shared in order to better respond to this RFP?

See the July 2022 Investment Data Modernization Program presentation to the TRS Board of Trustees starting on PDF page 7 located here: https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/budget-committee-book-july-2022.pdf.

75 The RFP understandably speaks to deliverables. We also note that the RFP is soliciting 'Advisory' services. Traditionally these services have what we may term 'soft deliverables' For example in our experience with large transformation programs, a conversation with the right person at the right time can have a profound impact on the success of the initiative. What is TRSoT' suggestion in regards to identifying such activities in order to fulfill contractual requirements and provide the level of accountability that we imagine TRSoT requires?

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. Deliverables will be determined on work order by work order basis.

76 What is the intended scope of ‘Accommodations and Equipment'. For purely advisory engagements it is typical for us to use our own hardware and resources. Can we take the phrase 'On site requirements will be negotiated by individual work order' to mean that access to necessary TRSoT technical resources (networks, dbms and even hardware) would be included in such terms? As we work with clients on large transformations, it is not unusual for us (under and often because of, adherence to client security requirements) to be given access to client networks and even client supplied laptops as determined by client security protocols.

Vendor is expected to use your own equipment. It is expected that vendor's staff go through TRS onboarding processes and are able to access our network and information repository resources.

77 In the ABOR SOW it requests vendors to describe their standard reporting capabilities including Schedule D . Is TRSoT subject to Statutory Reporting? If so please explain.

TRS currently is not subject to Schedule D reporting; however, TRS is subject to the reporting requirements from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

78 Please list and describe the regulatory reporting authorities to which TRSoT is obliged to submit reports. SEC 13(f) to Securities and Exchange Commission and Foreign Ownership of Securities to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

79 Will TRSoT commit to providing feedback to submitting vendors regarding the interpretation and scoring of responses, regardless of success or otherwise?

Debriefings will be provided to those Respondents who request them.

80 Will partnerships between two firms be considered? Yes

81 Can the same firm bid on both the ABOR/IBOR/Data RFP and the Advisory Services RFP? To ensure TRS receives the best service and independent advice we will not award a contract for the services described in this Investment Systems Program Management Advisory Services TRS000395 RFP to any vendor awarded a contract resulting from the Investment Data Modernization TRS000436 RFP.

82 Does TRS have a preference for single vendor solutions for the ABOR/IBOR? Yes, TRS's preference is a single vendor solution for ABOR/IBOR. However, multiple vendor solutions will be considered and evaluated as part of the Investment Data Modernization RFP.

83 What TRS upstream and downstream systems will feed the IBOR and ABOR? TBD depending on the Investment Data Modernization RFP responses and selection.

84 Is there a preference to on-premises or hosted solutions? Hosted 85 Will there be an implementation order you intend to follow for the ABOR/IBOR/data? Will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

86 What is Accenture’s role in the project? Do you expect them to bid on the Advisor services after managing the RFP process?

Accenture is not involved in this solicitation in any way. Accenture does not manage any solicitation, evaluation, or solicitation process for TRS. Accenture assisted TRS in identifying agency needs for the Investment Data Modernization TRS000436 RFP.

87 Asset Management Please outline the asset classes to be managed on the new IBOR and ABOR platforms. The asset classes (in high level) are listed in Table 2 Investment Performance in page 118 of TRS' 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (https://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/about_publications.aspx).

88 Project Sequencing Is there any pre-planning or sequencing assumptions existing across the IBOR + OMS/EMS, ABOR, and MDM implementations?

Will be determined when the Investment Data Modernization RFP is awarded, system vendors are known and the initiation/planning stage has begun.

89 TRS Staffing Please out the assumptions around TRS resources to be staffed on the Program and associated Projects. This will be determined as a part of the planning/initiation phase.

90 TRS Staffing Please provide additional details around the expectations for technical resources (Testers, Developers, Architects, Reporting SMEs or Developers)?

Some technical expertise may be applicable as pertinent to the advisory service. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

91 PMO Methodology Does TRS follow agile, lean, waterfall, etc. methodology for implementations? TRS expects vendor to be able to supply staff skilled in waterfall and agile project management. Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

92 Data Governance Is there an existing TRS Data Governance which this program will adhere to? If not, is the assumption the Program Management Team will develop this framework?

TRS has governance processes in place that this program will adhere to.

93 Program Duration Should Program & Project Manager Resources be staffed under the same assumption for all projects (IBOR + OMS/EMS, ABOR, and MDM)?

Those assumptions being:

1. Initial term is 1 year.

2. TRS Optional Renewal Terms is 3 years.

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

94 Start Date Please confirm project start date: June 2024

Deliverables for this engagement will include all services listed above as well as project documentation agreed to as a part of each individual Work Order. The Investment Data Modernization program implementation is projected to kick-off in June 2024 and extend into calendar year 2026

June 2024 is the date projected for the contract execution of the overall Investment Data Modernization RFP. Planning work associated with this RFP for Program and Project Management Advisory Services will begin prior to that.

95 Tasks and Activities Please confirm vendors can submit additional resources such as Business Analysts or

Workstream/Project Leads to have accountability and responsibility over BA Tasks below:

As a part of this solicitation, we are seeking consulting, management, advisory, and analysis services to ensure a successful implementation of TRS’ Investment Data Modernization program. Potential services to be provided through this contract include:

d. Business Analysis services;

e. Business case development;

f. Cost to benefit analysis;

g. Risk assessment;

j. Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), See Addum for changes to RFP

96 Tasks and Activities Can you further elaborate the details of the below tasks. Is the expectation that the vendor resources will develop methodologies and training related to the below functions?

l. Program assessment; and Program Management related to agile development, training, coaching, data mapping and migration services, and transition plan execution.

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract. Training methodology and project/program methodology development is not in scope.

97 Tasks and Activities Will the selected PM vendor own oversight an coordination of the selected platform vendor(s) for IBOR + OMS/EMS, ABOR, and MDM?

Specific scope of work for engagements will be determined on a work order basis under the master services contract.

98 Tasks and Activities Can you further elaborate the details of the below tasks. Is the expectation that the vendor resources will provide testing software and a dedicated test manager? Do you need both business and technical testers?

j. Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)

See Addum for changes to RFP

99 Work Plans Can you please outline the timeline around Work Plan Submissions? Does the vendor provide this information by 8/23 or after the RFP selection is won (i.e. during contract negotiations)?

At any time during the Contract, TRS may issue a Work Order. Work Orders must be in writing and signed by TRS.

Each Work Order shall include:

(1) The Contract number and name;

(2) The Work Order number;

(3) Estimated start and end dates for the Work described in the Work Order;

(4) The name and contact information of the TRS Project Manager and any other TRS contacts; and

(5) A description of the Work to be performed.

The sample work order must be completed by the Respondent and submitted with their proposal by 3:00 PM Central Time, August 23, 2023.

100 Legal Documents For any redlines needed across legal documents, should these be submitted prior to 8/23? Yes, Respondent must return all redlines with their proposal by 3:0 PM Central Time, August 23, 2023