Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1.1 Overview of the purpose of this request for proposals. The Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller (“OSC”) seeks proposals from qualified law firms and individual attorneys to perform Legal Services for the Connecticut Retirement Security Program (“CRSP”), branded “MyCTSavings,” (the “Program” or “ MyCTSavings”). All firms submitting proposals are referred to as Proposer in this document; after negotiations, the awarded Proposer will be designated as the Contractor upon successful negotiation and execution of a contract. It is expected that the contract will be awarded to a single successful Proposer; however, the OSC reserves the right to award separate contracts if it is in the best interest of the State. The OSC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals. The successful proposer to this RFP will demonstrate its ability to deliver independent legal advising and a high capacity for working collaboratively within and across the organizations and teams that will ultimately be service providers to or stakeholders in the CRSP. Key characteristics of the successful Proposer will include organizational strength, depth and experience with defined contribution retirement programs, especially state-sponsored plans (“SSRPs”), the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), Connecticut state law, and individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), including Roth IRAs. Proposers must also meet all statutory and regulatory requirements in providing such services. Qualified proposals shall be assessed by the RFP search committee to identify which firm might be the bestqualified to enter a Contract (the “Contract” or “Agreement”) with the OSC for comprehensive legal services (the “Services”) related to the Program. The selection of a Proposer will be highly dependent on the Proposer’s experience and capabilities to assist the OSC with at least the following: • Demonstrable experience in retirement law, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and have a thorough understanding of state and federal laws which affect retirement systems in the State of Connecticut; and • Be in good financial standing and be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Connecticut. • Representation of the OSC and/or Advisory Board in disputes, administrative proceedings and/or litigation in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General, pertaining to the exercise of its duties under Chapter 574 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended; • Legal advice on matters related to ERISA, program design, investment management, vendor contracts, and related documents in accordance with the OSC and Advisory Board’s responsibilities identified in sections §§31-416 through 31-429 of the Connecticut General Statutes, inclusive; • Legal advice regarding issues of Advisory Board governance; and • Legal advice pertaining to reviews of the language of C.G.S. §§31-416 through 31-429, inclusive, to ensure compliance with legislative intent, fiduciary responsibility, or other relevant requirements of the program.
