Specifications include, but are not limited to: 2 STATEMENT OF WORK: Howard County, Maryland (the “County”) seeks a qualified firm (the “Contractor”) to provide legal counsel, at the direction of the County Solicitor and as set forth in a written Task Order, for employee pension and retirement matters, as well as legal issues relating to the management of institutional trust funds. 2.1 The information provided in this section is intended to provide general guidance concerning the scope of the services to be provided by the Contractor. The scope of services will also be considered to include, in addition to the services set forth below, those services understood by knowledgeable counsel to be reasonably included within a legal practice involving employee pension and retirement matters and the legal issues relating to the management of institutional trust funds. Upon the request and under the direction of the County Solicitor, the Contractor may be required to: 2.1.1 Attend in-person meetings (including joint meetings, which are generally held no more than 12 times per year, and subcommittee meetings) of the Retirement Plan Committees of the Plans and prepare minutes for the meetings. Travel to the meetings shall be at the Contractor’s sole cost and expense, 2.1.2 Provide in-person training, advice, and counsel concerning the fiduciary responsibilities of the members of the Committees, the Plans’ trustees, and other persons and entities having fiduciary responsibilities respecting the Plans. Travel to the training shall be at the Contractor’s sole cost and expense. 2.1.3 Provide advice and counsel in interpreting the Plans and in making decisions which may be necessary or appropriate in administering and operating the Plans. 2.1.4 Provide advice and counsel in resolving disputes or questions arising under the Plans, including the rights of persons applying for or receiving benefits from the Plans. 2.1.5 Prepare and/or review rules of procedure as may be necessary or proper for the administration of the Plans. 2.1.6 Prepare and/or review procedures which afford a mechanism for adjusting complaints of persons dissatisfied with determinations made under the Plans.