RFP-Private Equity Consultant Services

The Maryland State Retirement Agency is soliciting proposals for non-discretionary private market investment consulting services to support the Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. The scope of work covers private equity, private credit, private infrastructure, and private real assets, excluding real estate. The selected contractor will provide strategic consulting, deal sourcing, and due diligence, while assisting the CIO and Investment Division with goal development, risk monitoring, and the preparation of annual fund targeting and subscription pacing plans. Deliverables include regular reporting, research on specific investment issues, and attendance at Investment Committee and Board of Trustees meetings. The contract is for an initial five-year term, approximately from March 1, 2027, to February 29, 2032, with the option for two additional one-year renewals. Awarding will be based on the most advantageous proposal, evaluated through a technical ranking of good, better, or best across criteria including technical response, questionnaire answers, experience, and economic benefit to the state, followed by a financial analysis. Minimum qualifications require offerors to have provided similar services to at least five public or private pensions, foundations, or endowments with combined assets under advisement of at least one billion dollars within the last five years. Compliance requirements include the submission of a Conflict of Interest Affidavit, adherence to commercial nondiscrimination policies, and the maintenance of professional indemnity and D&O insurance. Contractors must also comply with specific cybersecurity and remote access standards for data systems. Proposals must be submitted in two separate volumes: a technical proposal submitted electronically and a financial proposal submitted both physically and electronically. All records related to the contract must be maintained for five years following final payment.