Arkansas Development Finance Authority Underwriter for Student Loan Revenue Bonds RFP 2026
Arkansas Development Finance AuthorityState · Little Rock, AR- Due
- Mar 25, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Jan 22, 2026
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Primary contact
- Ro Arrington
- (501) 682-5910
The 30-second brief
The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA), on behalf of the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA), is soliciting proposals from investment banking firms to serve as Underwriter for Student Loan Revenue Bonds. The Authority anticipates executing a financing transaction in the fall of 2026 for approximately $40,000,000 using available tax-exempt volume cap. The selected firm will perform duties including developing sale strategies, advising on market conditions, obtaining underwriter's counsel, and managing the bond sale syndicate. Proposers must submit one electronic copy of their proposal by March 25, 2026. Evaluation criteria include firm qualifications, student loan revenue bond experience, marketing ability, net capital, and fee structures.
Transmittal letter, Proposal responses, Fee proposal, Equal opportunity policy, Email address for notices of inquiries
Qualifications of underwriter, commitment to municipal finance, prior experience with student loan revenue bonds, staff qualifications, marketing ability, net capital, proposed financing structures, responsiveness, fee proposal
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Summary
The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA), on behalf of the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA), is soliciting proposals from investment banking firms to serve as Underwriter for Student Loan Revenue Bonds.
The Authority anticipates executing a financing transaction in the fall of 2026 for approximately $40,000,000 using available tax-exempt volume cap. The selected firm will perform duties including developing sale strategies, advising on market conditions, obtaining underwriter's counsel, and managing the bond sale syndicate. Proposers must submit one electronic copy of their proposal by March 25, 2026. Evaluation criteria include firm qualifications, student loan revenue bond experience, marketing ability, net capital, and fee structures.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
9- Qualifications of underwriter
- Commitment to municipal finance
- Prior experience with student loan revenue bonds
- Staff qualifications
- Marketing ability
- Net capital
- Proposed financing structures
- Responsiveness
- Fee proposal
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
5- Transmittal letter
- Proposal responses
- Fee proposal
- Equal opportunity policy
- Email address for notices of inquiries
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
3- Equal Opportunity Policy
- Transmittal Letter
- Fee Proposal
REQUIRED STAFFING
4- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Duration
- 60 months
- Scope location
- Little Rock, AR
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Arkansas Development Finance Authority?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is March 25, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Ro Arrington.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Arkansas Development Finance Authority in AR, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Ro Arrington at (501) 682-5910. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Book running senior manager, day-to-day financing manager, underwriting professionals, underwriter's counsel. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Transmittal letter, Proposal responses, Fee proposal, Equal opportunity policy, Email address for notices of inquiries. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Qualifications of underwriter, commitment to municipal finance, prior experience with student loan revenue bonds, staff qualifications, marketing ability, net capital, proposed financing structures, r..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Arkansas Development Finance Authority?
All active and historical solicitations from Arkansas Development Finance Authority are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Arkansas Development Finance Authority regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Equal Opportunity Policy, Transmittal Letter, Fee Proposal. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from Arkansas Development Finance Authority for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Little Rock, AR. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.