RFP: 401(K) to Government Plan

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is soliciting proposals for professional advisory services to convert its current 401(k) plan for approximately 500 governmental employees into a governmental plan, including subsequent plan administration. The scope of work encompasses conversion guidance, ongoing administration, recordkeeping, and investment services, such as establishing a new investment lineup and developing an Investment Policy Statement. The Tribe is open to both bundled and unbundled service approaches. All work must comply with federal, local, and Cowlitz Indian Tribe standards, as well as the CIT Procurement Code. Proposals must include a detailed work schedule created in Microsoft Scheduling Program or an equivalent tool. The selection process is based on best value, with evaluation criteria focusing on the quality of qualifications, personnel experience, capability to meet budget and time requirements, location, current workload, and related experience, with a small weight given to previous work with the Tribe. Preference is given to Native American owned businesses, specifically those owned by Cowlitz Tribal Members. The contract requires the provider to maintain Errors and Omissions insurance with a minimum of 1 million dollars per occurrence and 5 million dollars in general aggregate limits from an insurer admitted in Washington. As a Federally Recognized Indian Tribe, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe exercises sovereign immunity, and the Cowlitz Tribal Court maintains exclusive jurisdiction over all contract-related actions. Proposals are due by 3 p.m. PDT on October 15, 2026, to Steve Stark, CFO.