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Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 5, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Renew Existing Contract Submitted by Ford & Associates, Inc. – Request for Proposal (RFP) #0007030A Financial Advisor (Business Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 19, 2008, the Board approved Ford & Associates, Inc. to provide professional services as the district’s financial advisor. The firm provides non-exclusive advice regarding financial matters related to issuing and refinancing certain types of debt instruments as prescribed by Florida Statutes including, but not limited to, general obligation bonds, racetrack revenue bonds, lease revenue bonds, Certificates of Participation (C.O.P.’s), Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, and sales tax bonds.  In addition, they will assist with disclosure of information to the investment community in conjunction with its prospective issuance of financial instruments.  The firm will provide assistance in presenting information to financial rating agencies locally, at remote locations, by telephone, on teleconferences, or other appropriate methods.  The firm will provide advice concerning School Board policies about financial and debt-related matters.  The initial term of the contract is for five years with two one-year renewals.

Ford & Associates, Inc. is a Hillsborough County Public Schools Office of Supplier Diversity registered vendor and has agreed to renew for the period beginning February 20, 2013, to February 19, 2014, with pricing, terms, and conditions to remain unchanged. The Superintendent is authorized to approve the renewal agreement, per the terms of the specifications.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
•Â Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Expenditures to date are $6,000 for 2012/2013, and $159,045 for 2011/2012.  These expenditures are associated with the issuance and direct purchase of Certificates of Participation and Government Accounting Standards Board Statement #53 reporting requirements.  These expenses are budgeted and paid from the Debt Service Fund, site 9414 Districtwide Expenses.
EVALUATION
Contract administration or evaluation is performed by the Project Manager (end user) and the Procurement Officer, who function as a team.  Reviews are conducted face to face, typically quarterly, or by utilizing an online vendor performance report.  Prior to soliciting a new contract, the Contract Administration team must first give consideration to the specifications and supporting data of the expiring contract.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kate Rouse, Senior Procurement Officer, Procurement Department
Jean Bowman   Gretchen Saunders
General Manager, Procurement Department
(813) 272-4374
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.10
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130205_552 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.10