RFP No. 26-0001 Banking Services (Annual Contract)

The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, is issuing Request for Proposals No. 26-0001 for comprehensive banking services on an annual contract basis, with proposals due April 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern time via DemandStar. The City seeks a qualified financial institution to provide a full suite of banking services including deposit processing, cash management, electronic banking, payroll direct deposit, wire transfers, ACH transactions, investment services, and custodial safekeeping of securities to serve approximately 4,713 employees and retirees. Key deliverables and operational requirements include processing approximately 1,274 checks paid and 604 deposits monthly, originating 65 ACH payroll transactions monthly, managing 4 investment purchases and sales monthly, and administering an investment portfolio averaging $115 million with approximately 185 securities. Addendum No. 1, issued March 25, 2026, establishes three non-negotiable service requirements: the bank must maintain multiple branch locations throughout Columbus for daily deposits (armored car services are not acceptable substitutes), provide controlled disbursement account services for cash flow management, and offer account reconciliation services for recording paid check activity into the City's financial system. Vendors must formally acknowledge receipt of the addendum to avoid bid rejection. The evaluation committee will assess proposals using a weighted 100-point scale based on Organization and Background (20%), General Banking Services (30%), Relationship Support and Ethical Standards (10%), Client Work History (15%), Exceptions and Alternative Services (20%), and Cost Proposal (5%). The initial contract term is five years with options to renew for two additional one-year periods, contingent upon annual appropriations by Columbus City Council, and all proposed pricing is guaranteed for three years with any subsequent increases limited to the U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types eligible to respond, though all bidders must provide evidence of insurance, E-Verify affidavits, conflict of interest disclosures, W-9 forms, and current business licenses. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is identified in the solicitation documents. The City does not maintain compensating balances to cover all service fees but utilizes account balances to offset charges and intends to invest idle cash daily in overnight repurchase agreements or other authorized investments at market rates. Pricing for all banking services will be invoiced monthly based on account analysis statements, with service charges not automatically drafted from accounts. No specific award value or budget range is provided in the RFP documents; however, the scope of services and transaction volume suggest a substantial annual contract for a major municipal banking relationship. The City Council retains the right to award the contract, reject all proposals, or continue negotiations with the most qualified offeror following evaluation committee recommendations.