Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Provide Financial (Municipal) Advisory Services

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is requesting qualifications from financial advisory firms to provide municipal advisory services related to debt issuance, bond sales, and debt management, with responses due September 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM through the COMMBUYS electronic procurement system. Minority and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and other diverse suppliers are encouraged to apply.

The scope covers financial advisory services for municipal bond transactions on a deal-by-deal basis. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience providing municipal advisory services to governmental issuers of similar size and complexity, hold necessary SEC, FINRA, and MSRB certifications and registrations, and show demonstrated experience with large bond issuances exceeding $300 million. The MSBA emphasizes analytical capabilities, knowledge of current market conditions, and ability to provide value-added services including debt portfolio analysis, policy review, and disclosure document preparation.

Selected firms will execute a Master Services Agreement with an initial three-year term and two optional one-year extensions at the MSBA's sole discretion. Work assignment occurs through either a Mini-Bid process or List Selection method, with individual Work Orders specifying scope, deliverables, and payment terms for each transaction. Payment is made within forty-five days of receipt of invoices via electronic ACH transfer, with the MSBA retaining exclusive ownership of all work product and intellectual property. Out-of-pocket costs and expenses will not be reimbursed.

The RFQ process includes Phase One (completeness and compliance) and Phase Two (evaluation against specified criteria). The MSBA reserves the right to conduct virtual presentations during the week of October 26, 2026, with award anticipated in December 2026. Cost proposals must specify fixed flat fees for seven financing categories and hourly rates for staff positions including Managing Director, Senior Vice President, Consultant, and Associate. All pricing is subject to best value negotiation. Respondents must complete mandatory attachments including Authorized Respondent Signature and Acceptance Form, Certification of Compliance with Laws, Supplier Diversity Program Plan Form, Invest in Massachusetts Data Form (certifying whether at least 50% of work-hours will be performed in Massachusetts), and detailed Cost Proposal.