Pension Attorney Services

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is soliciting proposals for Pension Attorney Services through a Request for Proposal (RFP) covering legal services for multiple retirement plans. The procurement seeks a qualified law firm to provide professional legal support for the Authority's Defined Benefit (DB) Plan, Defined Contribution (DC)/401(a) Plan, Deferred Compensation (457) Plan, and Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust (OPEB). Key deliverables include performing legal due diligence, reviewing documents, educating the Retirement Benefits Committee, providing legislative interpretation, offering dispute resolution and litigation support, attending meetings, and representing the Aviation Authority in courts or administrative agencies. Respondents must have at least five years of experience and previously provided legal services to a minimum of three public pension systems. The RFP requires a comprehensive proposal with an hourly fee schedule structured with tiered rates: Partners at $350/hour, Senior Associates at $285/hour, Associates at $275/hour, and Paralegals at $125/hour. Critical dates include a response submission deadline of April 30, 2024, with a Retirement Benefits Committee meeting on May 22, 2024, interviews scheduled for May 29, 2024, and final Aviation Authority Board consideration on June 19, 2024. The proposed contract term is five years, commencing on or about August 1, 2024, with two potential one-year renewal options.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract is non-exclusive, allowing GOAA to contract with other providers for similar services if needed. No incumbent vendors are directly identified in the provided documentation. The procurement appears to be open to qualified law firms with demonstrated expertise in public pension system legal services. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the hourly rate structure provides insight into potential cost expectations. The contract will be awarded based on the firm's qualifications, experience, and ability to meet the comprehensive legal service requirements for the Aviation Authority's retirement plans. The procurement process involves multiple evaluation stages, including a Retirement Benefits Committee review, interviews, and final board consideration, suggesting a thorough vetting process for selecting the most qualified legal services provider.