Exhibit B- Scored Non-Cost Criteria.docx

EXHIBIT B – SCORED NON-COST FACTORS (SERVICES)

Type/print full legal name of bidder company

Instructions:

Note: Bidders must follow the instructions outlined in this Exhibit, or the bid will be deemed to be nonresponsive and rejected.

1. Insert bidder’s legal business name in the box above.

2. Review and respond to all questions. Bidders must respond to all Requirement ID’s (REQ ID).

3. Provide a written response that addresses how the bidder meets or exceeds each requirement in the Written Response column.

a. Supporting Information. Please make sure to include references in Exhibit A – Bidder’s Certifications that align with the information provided in this exhibit. DFI may request additional information or references to help verify the information provided by the bidder in this exhibit. A bidder’s failure to provide such requested information to DFI within five (5) business days may result in disqualification.

b. Bidder’s Commitments. The bidder’s responses to the performance requirements below will be incorporated into such awarded bidder’s contract, if awarded. Therefore, the bidder is cautioned to propose only commitments that bidder can fully meet throughout the term of the contract. If an awarded bidder is unable to meet the terms of the contract, bidder will be in breach and subject to termination and/or damages as described by the contract. See Exhibit D- Contract Template.

c. Page/Word Limit. Bidder’s responses must fully demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter. Limited responses may receive lower scores than those that more fully demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter. However, conciseness is also preferred, and the following limits are provided:

· The total page/word count for all written responses must not exceed 15 pages not including requested attachments such as resumes and work samples. Any text in excess of this limit will be deleted prior to forwarding the submittals to the evaluation team.

· Each written response must be complete and will be evaluated as written. Additional materials such as links to external content or embedded documents are not allowed and will not be evaluated.

4. Submit the exhibit as a Microsoft Word document without modifying the formatting. If you need to print out this document for any reason, please note this document is sized Legal 8.5” x 14”.

Important Note: Bidders must follow the instructions above as they complete this exhibit, or the bid will be deemed nonresponsive and rejected. DFI may, at its discretion, waive informalities and/or request clarification of a bid response, as described in the solicitation Section 4 – Bid Evaluation of the Competitive Solicitation.

· An informality is an immaterial variation from the exact requirements, which has no effect, or a negligible effect, on the good or services being solicited. DFI, at its discretion, may waive informalities.

· If clarification is requested, DFI will do so in writing. The request will include a response deadline (5 business days), and the bidder’s response to clarification requests must be received by that deadline, or the bid will be deemed nonresponsive.

Evaluation: Bidder’s written response to this Exhibit will be evaluated as follows:

Bidder’s Response Required:

Stated Business Need

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: Each of the Bidder’s key personnel who will be performing service on the contract, if awarded, must demonstrate:

· Five Years of Industry Experience providing retirement program consulting services to public or private entities.

· Organizational structure that supports and details Bidder’s efficiencies in contract execution

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Added value: In the written response, demonstrate added value to the state by demonstrating:

· Additional years of industry experience as above

· Mission and vision aligned with public-sector retirement security goals

· Demonstrated success launching and/or scaling state facilitated savings programs, especially SFRPs, 529, and ABLE programs

· Experience will be evaluated based on its relevance, depth, and recency. The highest scores will be awarded to bidders with direct experience supporting the launch or early implementation of auto-IRA or other state-facilitated retirement savings programs. Experience with 529 or ABLE programs will be considered valuable, followed by experience advising state investment boards, public pension systems (e.g., PERS/STRS), or similar entities. Proposals that clearly demonstrate how prior engagements align with the services sought under this RFP will receive additional consideration. Including key personnel who have advised public boards or fiduciary bodies on governance, oversight structures, and vendor management

Written Response Required. Provide as much information as needed to address the Performance Requirement and Stated Business Need.

· Describe the organizational structure and explain how this structure will be used to perform the requirements of this contract. Explain the advantages of this structure. A narrative response is required, and respondents are encouraged to include an organizational chart or leadership diagram if helpful to illustrate roles and relationships.

· Provide an overview and history of the Bidder’s company including mission statement and vision statement, number of years of experience providing consultation, and what services Bidder will bring to this contract.

· If applicable, describe the Bidder’s experience launching and/or scaling state-facilitated retirement programs (SFRPs), as well as other public savings programs such as 529 college savings plans and ABLE accounts. Highlight specific successes or lessons learned that demonstrate the Bidder’s capacity to support the Washington Saves Program.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: Bidder must identify key personnel proposed for this contract and demonstrate that they, individually or collectively, have recent and relevant experience supporting projects similar in scope to the services described in this RFP. For each individual, the Bidder must describe:

· The individual’s specific role(s) on relevant projects, including those supporting state-facilitated retirement or other public savings programs (e.g., 529 or ABLE)

· The types of organizations served (e.g., state agency, independent board, nonprofit, etc.)

· The duration and timeframe of the engagement

· The scope of services performed (e.g., vendor selection, regulatory guidance, program design, board support), including tasks completed and deliverables

· Key outcomes or lessons learned, if applicable Each project description should not exceed 1 page.

Bidder must clearly identify which personnel were involved in each project and their responsibilities. Projects must demonstrate direct relevance to the services being procured under this contract (e.g., public defined contribution retirement savings programs, auto-IRA program implementation, interagency coordination, regulatory or statutory interpretation, board governance support, etc.).

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Added Value: In the written response, demonstrate added value to the state by

· Providing examples of direct experience supporting the launch or expansion of state-facilitated retirement programs, 529 plans, or ABLE programs—particularly in a lead or strategic advisory capacity

· Experience will be evaluated based on its relevance, depth, and recency. The highest scores will be awarded to bidders with direct experience supporting the launch or early implementation of auto-IRA or other state-facilitated retirement savings programs. Experience with 529 or ABLE programs will be considered valuable, followed by experience advising state investment boards, public pension systems (e.g., PERS/STRS), or similar entities. Proposals that clearly demonstrate how prior engagements align with the services sought under this RFP will receive additional consideration. Including key personnel who have advised public boards or fiduciary bodies on governance, oversight structures, and vendor management

· Demonstrating success managing complex, multi-vendor projects with competing timelines or high public visibility

· Including resumes that reflect deep experience in both policy development and program operations, especially in the public sector

1. Personnel Overview: Identify each individual who will provide services under the contract, including any subcontractors. For each person, provide:

· Name, current title, and Company affiliation (including subcontractor status if applicable)

· Role on this contract and primary responsibilities

· Total years of relevant professional experience and years with current company

· Summary of prior roles relevant to state-facilitated savings programs, public-sector program development, retirement policy, or adjacent fields

2. Experience & Capabilities: For each key person, highlight their most relevant direct experience with:

· State- or federally sponsored savings programs (e.g., auto-IRA, 529, ABLE, etc.)

· Advising public boards or fiduciary bodies

· Vendor selection, program design, or phased implementation strategies

· Describe key outcomes or lessons learned—responses should reflect how the individual’s experience translates to Washington Saves' needs.

3. Resumes: Attach detailed resumes for all individuals listed above, including any proposed subcontractors.

4. Contract Oversight: Identify the individual who will have ultimate responsibility for contract performance. Include:

· Availability for in-person or virtual meetings

· Communication protocols and responsiveness expectations

· Backup coverage plans in the event the primary contact is temporarily unavailable. Note: Any permanent personnel changes must meet the qualifications outlined in the Scope of Work and are subject to Board approval.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: To be considered for award, the Bidder must be registered as a Municipal Advisor with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) and in good standing.

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Pass/Fail Written Response Required. Provide as much information as needed to address the Performance Requirement and Stated Business Need.

Bidder’s Registration: Confirm your Bidder’s registration as a Municipal Advisor with the MSRB, including registration number and current standings.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: To be considered for award, the Bidder must identify at least two individuals who are registered Municipal Advisor Representatives and who will be actively involved in performing or supervising work under this contract.

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Designated Personnel: Identify at least two currently registered Municipal Advisor Representatives who will be assigned to this contract. For each include:

· Full name and MSRB registration number

· Role on this contract and scope of involvement

· Tenure with the firm and continuity across similar engagements

· Summary of experience advising public-sector clients on investment or retirement savings programs

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%] Bidder must describe at least three current or past engagements advising on defined contribution or other public retirement or savings programs. Response must include:

(a) Names of Boards/entities

(b) Plan type and size (accounts and Assets Under Management (AUM))

(c) Length of engagement

(d) Role and deliverables

(e) Explanation of how this experience benefits the Washington Saves Board Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Added value: Experience with multiple state-facilitated retirement programs (auto-IRA, 529, ABLE), and ability to provide comparative insights.

Experience will be evaluated based on its relevance, depth, and recency. The highest scores will be awarded to bidders with direct experience supporting the launch or early implementation of auto-IRA or other state-facilitated retirement savings programs. Experience with 529 or ABLE programs will be considered valuable, followed by experience advising state investment boards, public pension systems (e.g., PERS/STRS), or similar entities. Proposals that clearly demonstrate how prior engagements align with the services sought under this RFP will receive additional consideration.

Written Response Required. Provide a detailed overview of the bidder’s experience advising boards or entities on retirement program matters. Where applicable, please indicate which individuals from your team were involved in these engagements and their roles.

At a minimum, include:

a) Names of boards or entities served

b) Size and type of plans supported (e.g., number of accounts, total assets, savings vs. prepaid)

c) Duration of service (in years) with each board/entity

d) Scope of services provided (e.g., strategic planning, vendor selection, regulatory compliance, program design)

e) Approximate dollar value of the portfolios for which consulting services were provided

f) Key outcomes or results, including improvements, innovations, or lessons learned

g) Explanation of how this experience is relevant to and will benefit the Washington Saves Governing Board

Note: Bidders may include relevant experience of proposed personnel that was gained while employed at a previous firm, provided the personnel are clearly identified and their role in the engagement is described.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: Bidder must describe their understanding of the program’s goals, primary barriers to success, and how their team would address them.

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration. Written response must not exceed two pages.

Added value: Responses that demonstrate:

· A nuanced understanding of Washington’s legislative and regulatory context, and how it may impact program implementation

· Insightful identification of key barriers to success—beyond the obvious—and creative, actionable approaches to overcoming them

· Evidence of thought leadership or original frameworks used to support opt-in programs in other jurisdictions

· Strategic alignment with WA Saves’ mission and values, including how the team would support a durable, inclusive, and user-centered launch

· An understanding of how behavioral science or policy levers could be adapted specifically to Washington’s small business and workforce environment

· Foresight into national retirement savings trends and how WA Saves can position itself as a leader or innovator in the space

Written Response Required. Describe Bidder’s understanding of the specific goals, context, and implementation challenges of the Washington Saves Retirement Savings Program. In your response, please:

· Identify key risks or challenges Washington may face and how Bidder would support the Board in addressing them

· Explain how your team’s prior experience aligns with Washington Saves' mandate, policy goals, and implementation phase

· Highlight any relevant experience applying behavioral design principles to increase opt-in participation and retention — for both savers and employers

· Reflect on your understanding of Washington’s workforce, small business landscape, or policy environment as it relates to this work Responses should demonstrate strategic insight, program alignment, and the bidder’s ability to serve as a trusted advisor during the development of this program.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: Bidder must describe their view of current market trends and how programs like Washington Saves should position themselves.

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Added value: Responses that demonstrate:

· A nuanced and well-supported perspective on retirement savings trends and their relevance to Washington Saves

· Strategic insight into market positioning or potential opportunities specific to Washington’s context

· Evidence of thoughtful engagement with national or state-level developments, beyond surface-level observations

· Key trends influencing the evolution of state-facilitated retirement programs (e.g., auto-IRA, Roth IRAs, workplace savings, portable benefits, financial inclusion)

· Innovations and competitive dynamics that Washington Saves should be aware of to remain effective and relevant

· Any emerging regulatory, economic, or behavioral insights that should inform Washington’s approach

· Demonstrating competitor benchmarking, participant behavior analysis, or data-driven market positioning techniques.

Responses should reflect the bidder’s depth of experience and ability to provide forward-looking, market-informed strategic advice.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: Bidder must describe at least two engagements supporting program launch/expansion, implementation, or RFP development.

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Added value: Experience supporting public-sector RFPs for program administration, recordkeeping, or investment management—especially within state-facilitated retirement programs. Experience advising on vendor selection and transitions, is strongly preferred. Detailing previous lessons learned and potential risks to the Washington Saves program.

Experience will be evaluated based on its relevance, depth, and recency. The highest scores will be awarded to bidders with direct experience supporting the launch or early implementation of auto-IRA or other state-facilitated retirement savings programs. Experience with 529 or ABLE programs will be considered valuable, followed by experience advising state investment boards, public pension systems (e.g., PERS/STRS), or similar entities. Proposals that clearly demonstrate how prior engagements align with the services sought under this RFP will receive additional consideration.

· Any involvement Bidder has had in the development or issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a retirement program administrator, investment manager, or similar vendor

· Any experience assisting with vendor selection, contract negotiation, onboarding, and transitions between vendors

· Any role Bidder has played in the launch or expansion of other state-sponsored programs (e.g., auto-IRA, 529, or ABLE), including tasks completed and overall outcomes

· Names of the state(s) or program(s) involved and the timeframe of your engagement

· A brief summary of lessons learned and how that experience would inform your support of Washington Saves Responses should focus on engagements of comparable scale and complexity to Washington Saves and should demonstrate familiarity with public procurement processes and cross-agency implementation dynamics.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: Bidder must provide at least two samples of past research, policy analysis, or reports conducted by the Bidder related to the retirement or public savings space.

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Added value: Work that demonstrates:

· Work and a response that has demonstrated that it has influenced the targeted program strategy, especially in programs within state-facilitated retirement programs (SFRPs) or other public savings programs such as 529 or ABLE

· Work that has received national recognition

If the full documents cannot be shared due to confidentiality constraints, you may submit redacted versions or detailed summaries that describe the scope, findings, and significance of the work.

To meet the minimum acceptable standard [0%]: Bidder must describe any changes to their advising philosophy in the last three years and what prompted those changes.

Bidders who do not meet this minimum acceptable standard will be disqualified from further consideration.

Added value: Demonstrates an evidence-based, participant-focused, and equity-minded evolution in practice—especially within state-facilitated retirement programs (SFRPs) or other public savings programs such as 529 or ABLE.

Return this exhibit to Procurement Coordinator at:

wasaves@dfi.wa.gov

EXHIBIT B – SCORED NON-COST FACTORS (SERVICES) PAGE 2

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