Utah Inland Port Authority - Underwriting Services

Background

The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) was established in 2018 by the Utah State Legislature to enhance the state's global trade capabilities and generate economic benefits through the development of logistics infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions. This Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ) is issued to solicit qualifications from firms interested in providing underwriting services to assist UIPA and its Municipal Advisor in preparing, structuring, and marketing public offerings and/or private placements of various types of bonds, including Public Infrastructure Districts (PIDs) and UIPA tax differential revenue bonds.

Work Details

The selected firm will provide underwriting services that include: 1. Supporting the issuance of public offerings and/or private placements of tax differential revenue bonds and special assessment bonds. 2. Collaborating with UIPA's Finance Team, Municipal Advisor, and other financing team members to plan and execute bond issuances or obtain other capital resources. 3. Analyzing financial options, making recommendations, and supporting both UIPA and PIDs within UIPA project areas. 4. Developing comprehensive marketing and pricing plans for bonds secured by special assessments or tax increment funds to achieve optimal capital costs. 5. Participating in document review sessions with UIPA's Finance Team, Municipal Advisor, and Bond Counsel. The RFSQ requires a detailed response covering six main components: Executive Summary, Firm Qualifications and Experience, Key Personnel, Approach and Understanding, Conflicts of Interest Statement, and Proof of Insurance.

Period of Performance

The contract will be performed over an 18-month period following the approval of the vendor list.

Place of Performance

The services will be performed primarily in Utah within the jurisdictions covered by the Utah Inland Port Authority.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must be registered Broker-Dealers with the SEC and members in good standing with FINRA and MSRB. They must demonstrate a minimum net capital position of at least $100 million to ensure adequate underwriting capacity for unrated infrastructure debt. Additionally, bidders must have served as Senior Manager or Sole Placement Agent on at least three land-secured, tax-increment or PID bond issuances since 2020.