Affinity Credit Card Services

Synopsis:
The Smithsonian Institution intends to issue a Request for Proposals ("RFP") from potential issuers of its co-branded credit card. The Smithsonian is looking for a leading bank partner with significant and relevant expertise in the development, launch, and operation of affinity credit card programs to provide an affinity credit card in the United States with industry leading rewards and benefits (the "Program") for its members and other interested consumers. Key to the Program will be unique product features and benefits that leverage Smithsonian's brand and assets. This may include the creation of Smithsonian-specific rewards to be earned by participants in the Program and/or licensing some of those rewards in more general reward programs offered to mainstream credit card customers. Although its primary goal is to implement the Program, Smithsonian may also be interested in pursuing other co-branded financial services, including a co-branded debit card, if offered by the responding banks.

Kessler Group's Role: In order to help facilitate the process of determining the appropriate issuer for Smithsonian's credit card program, Smithsonian has engaged the services of the Kessler Group ("KG"). KG has been asked to conduct a two part process whereby they will assist Smithsonian in (1) finding the appropriate partner for the Program, and (2) assisting with launch and implementation of the Program to maximize results from the Program. Kessler Group contact information is:

Marc Bellanger
Senior Vice President
The Kessler Group
855 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116 USA
Phone: 617-450-4015
Email: marc_bellanger@kessler.com

The RFP will be available from The Kessler Group on or about September 15, 2010. Please note: The Smithsonian anticipates the need to disclose certain confidential information about its business activities during the RFP process. As a result, we will require that requestors sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to receiving a copy of the RFP. If your company is interested in working with the Smithsonian to develop the Program, please contact Marc Bellanger of The Kessler Group. Proposals are due on October 13, 2010. Requested materials must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered.

This is not a solicitation for a federal contract and is therefore not governed by federal procurement procedures.