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Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, March 24, 2015
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Acting Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Accept the Proposal Submitted by Ford & Associates, Inc. - Request for Proposal (RFP) #15022-DST Financial Advisor (Business Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On January 14, 2015, the Procurement Department, in conjunction with the Business Division, issued an RFP for financial advisor services. To evaluate this RFP, firms were asked to provide their scope of services, qualifications, experience, fees, small business utilization, and references.

The financial advisor 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, Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, and sales tax bonds.  In addition, they assist with disclosure of information to the investment community in conjunction with its prospective issuance of financial instruments.  Two proposals were received and the committee reviewed key points and individually rated each firm.

The committee recommended Ford & Associates, Inc. as the provider for financial advisor services; they are a certified vendor with the district Office of Supplier Diversity.  The initial term of the contract shall be for a one-year period, with four one-year renewals.  The Superintendent is authorized to approve the renewal agreement, per the terms of the specifications.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Align financial resources to support the districts strategic goals • Demonstrate best financial practices
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Year-to-date expenditures for 2014/2015 are $82,884 and $23,500 for 2013/2014.  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:  Steve Brady, Assistant Department Manager, Cash Management Department
Jean Bowman   Gretchen Saunders
General Manager, Procurement Department
(813) 272-4374
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.12
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20150324_686 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.12