WCJC-RFP Investment Advisor Services

Background
Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) is a public, two-year comprehensive community college that serves a diverse population through various educational programs and services. The college operates across multiple campuses and is governed by an investment policy that complies with the Texas Public Funds Investments Act. The goal of this solicitation is to engage qualified investment advisory firms to provide comprehensive investment advisory services for all College investment assets, including the Endowment Fund, and to assist with capital project financing.

Work Details
The selected firm will provide the following services:

1. Non-discretionary portfolio management for the College’s Public Funds portfolio governed by the Public Funds Investment Act;
2. Investment advisory services for the College Endowment Fund;
3. Capital project and debt financing advisory services, including debt structuring and coordination with underwriters and bond counsel.

Specific requirements include:
- Registered Investment Adviser status with SEC and Texas State Securities Board;
- Independent from broker/dealer relationships;
- Non-discretionary management within College policy parameters;
- Annual review of investment policy;
- Development of fund-specific strategies for Operating and Plant Funds;
- Daily market information updates;
- Execution of trades upon instruction from authorized staff;
- Quarterly reporting compliant with PFIA;
- Monitoring credit ratings quarterly;
- Ongoing education for Investment Committee members and Board.

Period of Performance
The initial term of the contract will be one year from contract execution, with options for additional one-year renewals at the discretion of WCJC.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at Wharton County Junior College located at 911 Boling Highway, Suite A-107A, Wharton, Texas 77488.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must be a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC and registered with the Texas State Securities Board. They must also maintain professional liability insurance of at least $2 million and general liability insurance of at least $1 million. Compliance with all applicable laws, including the Texas Public Funds Investment Act, is required.