Municipal Financial Advisory Services

The Vendor is required to provide municipal financial advisory services (municipal advisor) to the department with regards to municipal debt and other financial transactions, economic initiatives, policies, financial procedures, and controls that would benefit the department.
- Assist in evaluating financial proposals, economic influences, and governmental actions affecting financial objectives of the Department.
- Evaluate existing financial plans and the timing of cash flows with respect to future financing plans and Departmental overall debt capacity.
- Evaluate existing tax-exempt bond proceeds as well as Debt Service Reserve Funds’ reinvestment plan to help ensure optimal yields are being achieved.
- Provide an assessment of the relevant bond market trends.
- Analyze costs, financial impacts, and risks of financing as well as investment structures.
- Provide and interpret current information on financial trends in the port industry, and municipal debt markets, as directed.
- Assist staff with issuance of new money and refunding bonds including, but not limited to, financing structure, review of underwriter proposals, assistance with review and preparation of related documents, and coordination of the financing schedule.
- Structure and implement an informational advertising program designed to inform prospective brokers, dealers, and investors of the merits of the securities.
- Coordinate and contract with pertinent service providers (e.g. printers, verification agents, etc.).
- Provide a follow-up analysis of the sale and final terms of the bond sale.
- Assist with the evaluation and implementation of a commercial paper program, Letters of Credit, and/or other vehicles needed to obtain access to short-term liquidity.
- Credit Rating and Investor Relationship
•    Develop and recommend strategies to maintain or improve the Department’s existing credit ratings.
•    Assist in preparing and ensuring the accuracy of presentation materials for rating agencies and for other members of the financial and investment communities.
•    Keep staff informed of key rating topics in between transactions.
•    Provide an analysis of the investor market and trends.
- Legislative and Policy Matters
•    Provide analysis and recommendations on current and proposed legislation, and any impact it would have on the port industry.
•    Act as an expert witness or spokesperson before governmental bodies, organizations, or public forums.
- Other As-Needed Advisory Services
•    Monitor and make recommendations on investments held by bond trustee.
•    Review and provide recommendations related to existing financial policies.
•    Provide financial advice as needed and requested by the department.
•    Assist and provide advice in relation to the marine terminal leases and cargo handling properties.
•    Provide advisory and support services to staff on alternative financing vehicles and third party development transactions.
•    Review capital plans, lease revenues and structures, and revenue enhancement mechanisms as directed by the department.
•    Provide advice on various types of financing available to expand the department’s capital improvement plan while maintaining the targets consistent with its debt management policy.
•    Provide strategic advice as needed.
•    Assist with the formulation of policies and provide advice on industry best practices.