Active U.S. Aggregate Core Plus Fixed Income Investment Management Services

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is seeking to contract with multiple investment managers to provide Active U.S. Aggregate Core Plus Fixed Income Investment Management Services for the State Insurance Fund. The target allocation for this strategy is approximately 33% of the fund, valued at roughly 6.9 billion dollars. The primary objective is to achieve capital appreciation and outperform the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index and peer group manager total return medians over three, five, and ten-year periods, net of fees. The contract features an initial five-year term with the option for additional five-year renewals at the sole discretion of the BWC. To qualify, managers must be SEC-registered or regulated national banks with significant assets under management, including at least 25 billion dollars in firm AUM, 20 billion dollars in total fixed income AUM, and 3 billion dollars in the specific proposed strategy. Additionally, firms must demonstrate at least seven years of performance history against the Bloomberg US Aggregate Index and assign a lead portfolio manager with at least three years of relevant experience. Selected managers must act as fiduciaries, adhere to the BWC Investment Policy Statement, and provide monthly performance reports and electronic trading transmissions to the designated sub-custodian and master record-keeper. Proposals must be submitted in sealed three-ring binders to the BWC Procurement Department in Columbus, Ohio, by September 24, 2026. The selection process is based on best value, and BWC reserves the right to negotiate fees with finalist candidates. Awardees must comply with various state and federal certifications, including non-discrimination laws, anti-boycotting agreements regarding jurisdictions like Israel, and prohibitions on the use of public funds for offshore services in Russia. Payment will be handled via electronic fund transfers generally within thirty calendar days of invoice receipt.