External Financial Advisors

The City of Gainesville, Florida, located in Alachua County, is seeking proposals for External Financial Advisory Services through RFP #FADM-250064-WB. The procurement aims to secure a qualified financial advisory firm to provide comprehensive services related to bond issues, debt instruments, and ongoing municipal financial consulting. Required services include structuring tax-exempt and taxable debt, preparing official statements, managing competitive bid processes, supporting bond validation hearings, monitoring market rates, providing arbitrage rebate assistance, reviewing existing debt structure, and advising on potential refinancing opportunities. Proposing firms must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) as a Municipal Advisor. The evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess professional personnel, time and budget management capabilities, project understanding, approach, and team qualifications. Key dates include a question submission deadline of September 10, 2025, and a proposal response deadline of September 17, 2025, at 3:00 pm EDT. The contract term is initially set for three years (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2028) with potential for two additional one-year extensions.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and preference provisions that may impact vendor selection. Local businesses may receive a five percent preference in the evaluation process, and there are specific requirements regarding small business and service-disabled veteran business participation. The city has established non-discrimination policies and requires contractors to comply with an Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit, certifying they do not use coercive labor practices. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the RFP indicates a graduated fee rate schedule for different types of bond issues, including traditional competitive and negotiated bond issues, refunding issues, and variable rate bond conversions. An annual retainer is also included for attending Commission meetings. Ideal proposing firms should have demonstrated experience serving jurisdictions comparable to Gainesville in size and debt program complexity. The city reserves the right to adjust the contract scope and pricing as needed, providing flexibility in the potential engagement.