Financial advisory services for texas economic development bank programs

The State of Texas Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Office is seeking qualified financial advisors to provide comprehensive financial advisory services for the Texas Economic Development Bank programs through Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 301-26-06320. The solicitation requires financial advisory services on an as-needed, project-by-project basis, covering bond issuances, lending practices, portfolio management, and activities authorized under Texas Government Code Chapters 481 and 489. Key deliverables include determining bond offering timing and sizing, developing financing plans, preparing rating agency information, assisting with credit enhancements, coordinating with the Texas Bond Review Board and Attorney General's office, managing closing procedures, evaluating bond purchase proposals, monitoring refunding opportunities, and administering the Bank's debt programs. Proposals are due by January 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with an initial contract term running from the effective date through August 31, 2026. The OOG will evaluate proposals using weighted criteria: Company Information and Financial Responsibility (5%), Experience, Qualifications, and References (15%), Response Content and Responsiveness (15%), Proposed Solution (30%), and Compensation Sought (35%). The contract may be partially funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds, requiring compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and applicable federal regulations.

The solicitation includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan requirement, promoting opportunities for economically disadvantaged and Texas-certified HUB vendors. Respondents must complete and submit a comprehensive HUB Subcontracting Plan demonstrating good faith efforts to utilize HUB vendors, with specific requirements for identifying and engaging Texas-certified HUB subcontractors. The contract identifies potential HUB subcontracting opportunities under NIGP Class 946-48 (Financial Advisor services) and requires contractors to file annual Disclosure Statements for Outside Financial Advisors and Service Providers. A dedicated Account Manager must be assigned and is subject to OOG approval, with all key professional staff requiring state approval. The OOG reserves the right to conduct criminal history background checks on proposed personnel. While specific contract value is to be determined, the solicitation allows for potential contract renewals for up to three additional twelve-month periods through August 31, 2029, with a possible six-month extension. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and comply with extensive certifications regarding debarment, sanctions, conflicts of interest, and other statutory prohibitions.