Financial Advisor Services

Douglas County Board of Commissioners in Georgia is requesting sealed proposals for Financial Advisor Services under Solicitation No. 26-028, with proposals due October 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST and questions due October 13, 2026. The County retains the option to select more than one firm as its advisor. A local-vendor preference applies to firms operating within Douglas County if proposals are within 5% of the lowest out-of-county bid, though this preference does not apply to solicitations exceeding $100,000.

The scope encompasses two primary service lines: reviewing and developing financial policies, programs, and plans to enhance the County's financial strength and sustainability, including development of maintenance and replacement funds with related financing plans; and structuring and issuance of bonds or private placement debt for funding significant capital needs. The County seeks independent financial advisory capability in long-range financial planning, debt affordability analysis, capital financing strategies, debt management, credit management, refinancing analysis, capital improvement planning, investment analysis, and special financial projects.

The initial contract term is one year from execution date with renewal options subject to applicable procurement requirements and Board approval. Proposals over $100,000 require a 5% proposal bond. The County is exempt from state sales tax and federal excise tax.

Evaluation spans 100 points: firm qualifications and relevant experience (20 points), understanding of County needs and methodology (20 points), key personnel and organizational capacity (15 points), municipal debt and financing experience (15 points), Georgia governmental experience and references (10 points), credit regulatory compliance and independence (10 points), and fee proposal and overall value (10 points). Fee proposals must include monthly rates for advisory services, transaction fees for maintenance and replacement financing plans, and transaction fees for bond structuring and issuance.

Contractors must comply with Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act requirements, including E-Verify participation and work authorization affidavits for all subcontractors. Professional errors and omissions insurance of at least $1 million and cyber liability insurance of at least $3 million (if processing personally identifiable information) are required. Proposals must remain valid for 60 days from opening. Submissions must be made electronically through Douglas County's BidNet platform.