26-0180-RFP Banking Services (Board and Clerk)

Pinellas County is seeking comprehensive banking services through a Request for Proposal (RFP 26-0180) for two distinct governmental entities: the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The procurement aims to identify a banking institution that can provide innovative, technologically advanced solutions with high-quality service at competitive costs, requiring the selected proposer to execute two separate Master Banking Services Agreements. Mandatory qualifications include Federal Reserve System membership, Qualified Public Depository status with capacity to hold balances exceeding $350 million, and maintenance of at least five full-service branches throughout Pinellas County. The evaluation process will assess proposers across four key categories: Team/Firm Qualifications and Financial Strength (250 points), Scope of Services (250 points), User Experience and Transition Methodology (250 points), and Information Technology, Fraud Protection, and Security (150 points), with proposed fees valued at 100 points. Key proposal deadlines include questions due by January 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and final proposals due by February 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., to be submitted electronically through the OpenGov procurement portal.

The contract opportunity includes several restrictive provisions and compliance requirements, particularly related to foreign ownership and potential contractor backgrounds. Proposers must complete affidavits certifying they are not owned or controlled by designated Foreign Countries of Concern, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. The contract term spans 120 months with potential for two additional 24-month extensions, and proposers must demonstrate expertise serving Florida local governments with populations exceeding 300,000. Extensive insurance requirements are mandated, including $1 million general liability, $100 million cyber liability, $100 million professional liability, and $100 million crime/fidelity coverage. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of services and the requirement to support two independent governmental entities suggest a significant potential contract value. Proposers must also provide current credit ratings from Moody's, S&P, and Fitch, along with detailed financial stability documentation and evidence of public project funding participation.