Specifications include, but are not limited to: The purpose of this solicitation is to establish an Open Agency Contract for a qualified consultant to assist the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) on an ongoing basis in connection with developing project-specific and/or programmatic funding scenarios for the GDOT. For purposes of this RFP, Financial Advisor(s) does not mean Municipal Advisor as defined by federal laws, regulations, agencies, and commissions (including the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)), and self-regulatory organizations such as the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). This shall be a five (5) year contract utilized on an "as needed" basis. As needs are identified, the Department will issue Task/Purchase Orders to the consultant which will authorize the consultant to provide services. The services (all of which shall be on an as requested basis) expected to be provided by the Financial Advisor(s) may include, but is not limited to: I. Advising the Department on financial matters as requested including, but not limited to, assessing and quantifying potential debt affordability and alternative ways to finance capital projects or programs, such as public-private partnerships, securitization of revenue streams, etc. II. Assisting the State in the procurement and selection of other professionals and services necessary or desirable for projects and/or programs as deemed appropriate. III. Advising the Department on rating agency matters and assisting in preparation of rating agency presentation materials. IV. Advising on proposed and/or enacted statutory and regulatory changes imposed or being considered by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and/or other regulatory bodies which could impact the Department’s ability to plan and/or deliver projects and programs within its statutory responsibility. V. Attending meetings or performing other tasks including any other services necessary, customary, or incidental to project or program financial matters. VI. Analyzing various financial proposals presented by developer teams, investment bankers, etc. VII. Assisting the Department in developing commercial and financial portions of procurements, to include, but not limited to, risk analysis, benchmarking interest rates, and preparing and/or reviewing financial models. VIII. Advising the Department on general market conditions and market trends for financing projects or programs to include pay-as-you-go, bonds, and capital leases, and performing analyses related to such matters. IX. Making recommendations to the Department regarding how the structuring of financial instruments, including bond issues, including the use and amount of fixed or variable rate debt, serial and term bonds, direct subsidy and tax credit bonds, serial or term bond maturity schedules, and other structuring options may affect the Department’s ability to develop or finance projects or programs in the future. X. Assisting the Department in the preparation and review of material regarding the Department for necessary financing documents.