Investment Management Technical Training Services

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is seeking multiple providers of technical training services for its Investment Management Division through Request for Proposals (RFP) TRS000555. The procurement aims to secure comprehensive professional development training focused on technical skills, decision-making, and execution capabilities for investment management staff. Vendors must deliver training for 10-20 participants per session, either on-site or via live remote platforms, covering technical skills such as Excel, Python, PowerBI, and financial modeling. The training will typically involve 4-6 courses annually, targeting junior, middle, and senior-level employees, with preferences for half-day or shorter sessions. Required vendor qualifications include at least two years of experience in financial services within the past five years. The evaluation criteria will assess company qualifications and experience (15%), client references (20%), key personnel qualifications (30%), methodology and approach (20%), and pricing (15%). Key dates include a pre-proposal conference on January 31, 2025, questions due by February 3, 2025, proposal submissions due by February 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Central time, and potential presentations for top-scoring respondents between March 3-12, 2025.

The RFP includes specific Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting requirements with participation goals across different categories: Special Trade Construction (50%), Professional Services (10%), Other Services (25%), and Commodities (35%). Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, employer's liability, commercial automobile liability, and professional liability insurance. While no specific budget range is disclosed, pricing must be all-inclusive of training costs, covering travel and expenses, with no price escalation permitted during the potential one-year renewal period. TRS currently utilizes Udemy for self-study options and is not seeking to integrate new technology platforms, but is open to vendors' existing on-demand learning solutions. The initial contract term is four years, with an optional one-year renewal. Vendors incorporating artificial intelligence technologies will be required to complete an AI Technology Questionnaire as part of their proposal. The primary business driver for this procurement is to ensure consistent, high-quality technical training for investment management staff across various skill levels.