Bond/tax and disclosure counsel services

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is soliciting proposals for Bond/Tax and Disclosure Counsel Services through a Request for Proposal (RFP) covering Orange County and Orlando City, Florida. The procurement seeks qualified law firms to serve as Bond/Tax Counsel and/or Disclosure Counsel for a three-year contract period beginning approximately January 1, 2024, with an option to renew for an additional 24 months. Proposers can submit for either or both counsel roles, with the Aviation Authority reserving the right to select multiple providers. Key deliverables include providing legal counsel for the Aviation Authority's complex financial activities, supporting its substantial debt portfolio of approximately $79 million in current debt and $2.8 billion in long-term debt. The evaluation criteria will assess proposals based on experience and qualifications (35 points), key individual knowledge and experience (35 points), MWBE action plan (15 points), additional requirements (5 points), and professional fees (10 points). Proposals are due on August 25, 2023, at 11:00 AM EST, with a virtual opening meeting scheduled for the same date and time.

While there is no mandatory Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goal, proposers are strongly encouraged to submit a detailed MWBE action plan that may materially impact the evaluation process. The Aviation Authority anticipates significant airport activity, with over 54 million passengers expected through Orlando International Airport (MCO) in the 2023 fiscal year. The organization's fiscal year 2023 annual budget is approximately $684 million, with a comprehensive Capital Improvement Program (CIP) totaling $4,611,032,409 for 2021-2027. The CIP includes major investments in Terminal C development, airfield improvements, ground transportation projects, and various infrastructure enhancements. Funding for these projects will be sourced from multiple channels, including AIP Grants, Authority Funds, Passenger Facility Charges (PFC), Non-PFC Bonds, and other financing mechanisms. The substantial scale of planned improvements suggests a need for robust financial and legal counsel to navigate complex financial structures and municipal bond requirements.