The UA System Office of Finance and Administration, for the benefit of the UA System and as authorized by the Board, has issued this RFQ seeking statements of qualifications from Respondents qualified and willing to serve as financial adviser for the UA System, as needed and from time to time, in connection with consultation on financial and operational trends impacting institutions of higher education. The Financial Adviser will be expected to assist the University in critical issues facing its institutions of higher education and associated medical center. The Financial Adviser will be expected to provide advice and consultation concerning, but not limited to, the following: debt financing, financial analysis and modeling, credit rating advisory services and alternative financing solutions. In evaluating responses, the evaluators will consider the qualifications of the Respondents to provide the following services: Assist the University in an analysis of overall debt capacity to facilitate the prioritization of future projects for bond financing; Provide ongoing evaluation of market opportunities for debt refinancing and optimizing debt portfolio; Provide recommendations for optimal liquidity and related solutions which align with institutional needs; Provide financial modeling and analysis for capital initiatives; Provide analysis, recommendation and negotiation support for alternative and/or unique financing strategies such as public-private partnerships; Participate in and advise the University during the evaluation of underwriter’s proposals and selection of an underwriter; Present recommendations as to the most optimal structure and appropriate terms and conditions to be utilized in connection with debt sale to achieve the lowest possible interest cost to the University; Prepare materials for, and make presentations to rating agencies, and/or bond insurers to secure the most favorable rating(s) for the issue. Presentations to the rating agencies and/or bond insurers will be made in conjunction with University designated officials; Review the marketing plan for the funding debt, as proposed by the underwriter; Compare bond sales, trading activity, and bond indices in order to evaluate the bond pricing and make recommendations in this regard; Participate in the development of necessary documentation to include, but not necessarily be limited to, details of any future proposed refunding, such as maturity schedule, redemption schedule, redemption features, interest rates, basic security provisions, and other covenants. Provide education/education materials to leadership and Board of Trustees, as needed
