The vendor is required to provide from qualified consulting services firms with substantial electronic payment and public sector experience (“consultants”) to provide advice and recommendations to the state.
- The consultant will serve as the merchant services subject matter expert during all board and banking committee meetings and for all merchant services projects.
- The consultant will assist office, the board and other state agencies in addressing the state’s practices and needs concerning merchant services.
- In addition to ongoing advisory support, the board may request that the consultant perform certain discrete tasks including, but not limited to: (a) undertaking a structural review of the state's merchant services architecture and making recommendations for efficiencies and operational improvements, (b) providing independent advice and recommendations with regard to the procurement of merchant services contracts, including preparation of RFPs, proposal evaluation and contract term negotiation, (c) reviewing and providing independent advice and recommendations for vendor management based on industry best practices, (d) providing transition support as needed to engage new vendors and merchant services, (e) providing assistance with the annual payment card industry (PCI) security processes and necessary remediation efforts, and (f) manage the annual PCI training portal, merchant inventory environments and necessary operational functions to advise the state to compliance.
- The consultant will be required to attend and participate in any and all meetings of the board and the banking subcommittee, at which merchant services issues may be discussed.
- The board and its banking subcommittee each meet quarterly, with first and third quarter meetings held virtually, and second and fourth quarter meetings conducted in-person.
- The consultant also will be expected to attend and participate in periodic internal office meetings and other meetings with state agency stakeholders on merchant services issues, as requested by office.
- Contract Period/Term: 2 years
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: May 23, 2025