Request for Proposals to Provide Third Party Administrative Services for the Texa$averSM 401(k) / 457 Program

The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 23-13169-001 seeking a third-party administrator for the Texa$aver 401(k) / 457 Program. The comprehensive procurement seeks a vendor to provide program administration services, including recordkeeping, communication, education, custodial trustee services, investment advisor, and participant investment advisor management services. Minimum requirements for potential respondents are detailed in Appendix F of the RFP, with specific qualifications and capabilities necessary for consideration. The solicitation requires submission through the Bonfire platform, with key deadlines including the Minimum Requirements Questionnaire due by May 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CT, and all proposal materials due by June 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CT. The anticipated contract period will commence upon execution and extend for six years through December 31, 2032, with ERS reserving multiple rights in the procurement process, including the ability to rebid, reject non-compliant proposals, and revise RFP provisions as necessary.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Potential vendors can direct questions to Frederick Fernandez, Procurement Specialist, via Bonfire or email at ivendorquestions@ers.texas.gov. The agency will not reimburse respondents for proposal preparation costs and is not legally obligated to execute a contract. While the specific budget range is not disclosed in the available documentation, the comprehensive nature of the administrative services suggests a significant contract value. Interested vendors must carefully review the full RFP documentation, particularly Appendix F, to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for this critical 401(k) / 457 program administration contract. The procurement represents a substantial opportunity for a qualified third-party administrator to manage a comprehensive retirement program services contract for the state of Texas.