Bond Counsel Services

The City of Weslaco in Hidalgo County, Texas, is issuing a solicitation to qualified legal firms to provide Bond Counsel services for municipal debt issuance over the next five years. The project involves supporting various financing transactions, including Certificates of Obligation, General Obligation Bonds, Revenue Bonds, and refunding bonds, with an anticipated contract duration of four years, extendable by two additional one-year periods based on performance. The selection process adheres to the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act, emphasizing qualifications, experience, and approach rather than price during the initial evaluation. Respondents are required to submit a comprehensive Statement of Qualifications via the BIDNET portal by December 15, 2025, including firm credentials, key personnel resumes, relevant experience, and compliance documentation. The process includes a non-mandatory pre-qualification Zoom meeting and mandates strict adherence to Texas laws governing municipal finance, securities disclosure, and conflict of interest disclosures. The evaluation criteria prioritize the respondent’s capability, capacity, and qualifications (35 points), the quality and suitability of their proposed approach (35 points), milestones and deliverables (20 points), and the outcomes they aim to achieve (10 points). The contract emphasizes compliance with federal securities laws, Texas statutes, and local government codes, requiring licensed Texas attorneys with substantial municipal finance experience. While specific contract clauses, pricing details, and detailed administrative procedures are not included in the RFQ, the process mandates submission of affidavits of non-collusion, proof of professional liability insurance, and conflict of interest disclosures. The legal services will be performed primarily within Texas, with deliverables including bond documentation, legal opinions, and ongoing legal support, all governed by applicable statutes and regulations. The procurement process ensures transparency and fairness, with the final award based on a trade-off evaluation of qualifications and approach, followed by price negotiations.