This is to include insight on general market conditions and outlook for bonds and notes including, but not limited to new issues, new products, market trends and investor preference; Provide OST advice on the structuring of issues including the use and amount of fixed and variable rate debt, private vs. public placement, serial and term bonds, insured vs. uninsured securities, callable vs. non-callable securities, premium vs. par and discounted securities, maturity schedules, and other structuring options to achieve the lowest rates while maintaining or improving the State’s credit ratings; Provide assistance to OST via virtual meetings, and/or in person meetings (as requested by the Agency) on; rating agency matters and strategies for Agency meetings including the preparation of a briefing book for Agency visits, scheduling of meetings, identification and background of rating Agency personnel and synopsis of their likely concerns. Including the preparation of a briefing book for agency visits, scheduling of meetings, identification and background of rating agency personnel and synopsis of their likely concerns; Provide OST advice on all issues related to the marketability of State bonds and provide analyses related to the marketing of bonds, including analysis of underwriter relations and negotiated versus competitive sales, bids, and contracts; Inform OST of statutory and regulatory changes imposed by Congress, the US Treasury and other regulatory agencies, including but not limited to IRS, SEC and MSRB rules and policies; Provide OST advice on other matters as requested including but not limited to, matters related to debt affordability, budgeting of debt service, and alternative ways to finance capital projects other than general obligation bonds, such as the use of short-term financing programs, lines of credit, letters of credit, commercial paper, public-private partnerships, GARVEE securities, securitization of tobacco settlements, etc.; Provide guidance to OST on post sale compliance matters as requested; Provide guidance to OST on the investment of bond proceeds;
