Request for Proopsasls for Outside Legal Counsel for the Texas Prepaid Higher Edication Tuition Board

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is requesting proposals for outside legal counsel services on behalf of the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board under RFP 240r, with proposals due September 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. A completed VetHUB Subcontracting Plan is mandatory; all respondents must declare subcontracting intent and, if subcontracting, demonstrate good faith effort to recruit certified VetHubs with at least seven business days' formal notification and supporting documentation.

The Board administers six qualified tuition and savings plans: the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan, LoneStar 529 Plan, Texas College Savings Plan, Texas Tuition Promise Fund, Texas Save and Match Program, and Texas ABLE Program. Successful counsel must demonstrate expertise in municipal securities disclosure requirements, FINRA and MSRB rules, and IRC Section 529 and 529A qualified tuition and savings plans. The scope encompasses legal counsel services; the RFP does not specify a fixed minimum workload, and any resulting contract will carry a maximum compensation cap for the full term including renewals.

The initial contract term runs December 1, 2026 through August 31, 2028, with two optional one-year renewals available at the Board's discretion (September 1, 2028–August 31, 2029, and September 1, 2029–August 31, 2030). Work commences December 1, 2026. The incumbent, Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP, expires August 31, 2026.

Evaluation uses a best-value standard: 80% weight on demonstrated competence, knowledge, and qualifications; 20% weight on the reasonableness of proposed fees. Respondents must propose hourly rates, identify whether fees are negotiable, explain fee comparisons to recently contracted rates with other governmental entities, and confirm fixed-fee status throughout the contract term. The Comptroller follows Texas Attorney General compensation guidelines, with exceptions available upon request.

Oral presentations are scheduled for November 17, 2026, with contract execution anticipated December 1, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically in searchable PDF format to contracts@cpa.texas.gov and include transmittal letter, firm qualifications and experience, vitae for all proposed personnel, compensation structure, conflict-of-interest disclosures, the completed VetHUB Subcontracting Plan, vendor references, and execution of the proposal form with required certifications.