Request for Proposals (RFP 240s) IRC Section 529 and 529A Plan Consulting Services for the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, acting for the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, is soliciting proposals under RFP 240s for consulting services to support the administration of IRC Section 529 and 529A plans. This includes the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan, the Texas College Savings Plan, the LoneStar 529 Plan, the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, and the Texas ABLE Program. The selected consultant will provide as-needed assistance with contract development and negotiation. The contract is scheduled for execution on March 31, 2027, with an initial term ending December 31, 2029, and two optional one-year renewals through December 31, 2031. Qualified respondents must demonstrate at least five years of experience with state prepaid tuition, college savings, and ABLE programs. Municipal advisors are further required to provide proof of SEC registration and MSRB compliance. Awards are based on a best-value standard, with 80 percent of the score weighted toward qualifications, experience, and performance, and 20 percent weighted toward the reasonableness of proposed costs. Compensation will be negotiated based on a price sheet for authorized personnel and billed according to the Texas Prompt Payment Act. The contract includes strict compliance requirements, including adherence to the Buy Texas program, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and specific Texas Government Code prohibitions regarding racially discriminatory DEI activities and firearm entity discrimination. Additionally, contractors must implement robust cybersecurity controls and are prohibited from accessing the Comptroller's network from outside the United States. Proposals are due by December 3, 2026, and must strictly follow the specified organizational format and exhibit requirements to avoid disqualification.