Pursuant to the Green Finance Authority Establishment Act of 2018, effective August 22, 2018, as amended (D.C. Law 22-395; D.C. Official Code § 8-173.23), the District of Columbia (“District”) established the DC Green Finance Authority, commonly referred to as DC Green Bank (DCGB). The mission of DC Green Bank is to attract and accelerate private investment for clean energy and energy efficiency financing to help the District achieve our Clean Energy DC and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Specifically, DC Green Bank aims to:
- Attract private capital by leveraging public investment.
- Use financial tools to increase capacity, accelerate lending, and recapitalize funds to support the Bank’s mission.
- Become a go-to resource for District residents, small business owners, and commercial developers interested in energy efficiency improvements, clean energy installations, and construction of green infrastructure; and
- Be a breakeven entity, where the revenues earned from financing activity cover its operating costs over the long term.
DC Green Bank invests in sustainable projects and programs such as clean energy, clean infrastructure, clean transportation, stormwater best management practices, energy efficiency, water efficiency, or green infrastructure projects and programs.
Scope
DC Green Bank, is seeking a commercial bank to provide business banking and cash management services, including checking and savings accounts, custody, escrow accounts, and trustee/treasury services. At full capacity, DC Green Bank will operate several finance programs, requiring several accounts and transfer/operating schedules. Per the Green Finance Authority Establishment Act of 2018 and the Clean Energy Omnibus Bill, DC Green Bank will be capitalized with $105 million of public purpose funding through 2025 with annual deposits between approximately $7 million and $25 million.
The selection of a banking partner will not only be based on the proposed fees, but also on assurances that the selected firm will provide a reasonable level of competent and responsive service to DC Green Bank in all of the areas described in the Requirements and Deliverables sections below. The proposer’s knowledge of and experience with account administration, establishment and investment of account funds, and flexible reporting options will be considered. The firm must be immediately available to assume service. Preference will be given to institutions with branches in the District of Columbia, and local and minority owned banking institutions will receive additional consideration.
Terms
DCGB proposes that the term of the contract for Banking Services start on January 1, 2021 for an initial three (3) year period, with the option to renew for a consecutive three (3) year period at the discretion of DCGB.
Requirements
Proposal responses should demonstrate the safety and soundness of the financial institution, including rating information from one of the main rating agencies, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, or a recently published Call Report. The proposal should discuss and outline the bank’s service model, how they will support the DC Green Bank, and available product options. Although it will not be the only factor considered, the bank should discuss their corporate values, especially those related to socioeconomic equity, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and the environment. In addition, the bank should demonstrate a track record of clean energy lending, including relevant team experience.
This request for proposals (RFP) contains background information on DCGB and specific information that must be included in the proposal submitted. The proposal must be submitted as a PDF by email, no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2020 directly to:
DC Green Bank Attention:
Jean Houpert, Controller
Email: jhoupert@dcgreenbank.org
Phone: 202-301-8305
and
Donald Walker, Director of Operations
Email: dwalker@dcgreenbank.org
Phone: 202-301-8304
Banking Services Definition
The Banking Services Definition sets out the basic services required for the proposal. Financial institutions shall provide recommendations or suggestions for services that would be beneficial to DCGB but are not included in this request. The banking services required by DCGB include the following:
Account Management
- Online internal management of the account
- Online daily access to bank account balances and transactions
- Online capability to transfer funds between DCGB accounts.
- Online monthly statements
- Online ability to perform Check Inquiries and Stop Payments
- Overdraft and/or Line of Credit
- Electronic check deposit
- Safety Deposit Box
- Fraud activity monitoring
Deposits
- Cash/check deposits at the branch
- Electronic funds transfers (EFT) from various customers
Wire payments
- Monies deposits into our accounts from customers and partners
- Wire transfer from our accounts to customers and vendors
Payments
- EFTs to multiple vendors
- Direct deposit of payroll to employees with multiple accounts
- Payment and clearing of DCGB checks
- Notification of dishonored checks issued by us customers and partners.
Corporate Credit Cards
- Online internal management of the account
- Online access to individual account holder balances and transactions
- Cut-off/closing date is the last day of the month
- Electronic monthly statements for each cardholder
- One (1) consolidated payment per month that is automatically withdrawn from our checking account.
Proposals
Qualified institutions will be a local or regional financial institution covered by FDIC Insurance.
Required Financial Institution Information
To be considered, the following information must be included in your proposal to the DCGB:
Institution Expertise:
- Describe how your Relationship Manager will work with DCGB to ensure the smooth transition of moving to your Institution. DCGB shall not be held liable if the transfer is delayed beyond the implementation date due to circumstances beyond DCGB’s control. Explain how your Relationship Manager will manage DCG’s accounts and communicate any new services or changes to services. Provide the turnover rate of your Relationship Manager with their clients, with an estimate of how many years DCGB can expect to deal with that individual. The Relationship Manager needs to be available to meet in DCGB face-to-face or electronic meetings.
Institution Resources
- Provide the location of the branch where our account will be located, along with business hours. Describe if there is a separate business teller and the types of services they provide. DCGB is not currently using the teller service but as the environment changes there may be a need to visit the branch.
Mission Alignment
- Sustainability, Equity, and Diversity, Responsible Sourcing. Describe your company’s approach and methodology (including benchmarking and progress on goals) relating to sustainability, equity, diversity, and equal access. Please also describe the supplier diversity and responsible sourcing program that you use in the sourcing process for your company’s vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
Required Services
EFT Services
DCGB currently does not use pre-authorized payment plans for monies received from customers and payments made to vendors but could soon. The proposal needs to clearly indicate the lead time for submitting files, the ability to edit the file or an individual payment within the file once sent, the timing of payments into the payee’s account, and online transaction acknowledgement. Types of EFT files generated by DCGB.
Online Banking Facilities
The following online banking services will provide DCGB the ability to:
- Configure/manage security levels for individual users, as required by DCGB administrator(s).
- Create reports and download or export to an Excel file. DCGB staff will filter and choose required information (e.g. transaction dates/periods, types of transactions, amounts, etc.). Provide screen shots of how to access information, process a transaction, do queries, and run reports
- Upload EFT transaction files to the Institution. This service must include the ability to modify, cancel or process individual stop payments online for the uploaded transactions prior to settlement date.
- Perform the following tasks:
- View all individual checks that clear the bank
- Process a stop payment
- Process account transfers
- Download/print monthly bank statements
- View all returned items online
- Process bill payments
Reporting
- Online access and monthly reporting
- Detailed annual financial statement
- Data available to annual independent certified public accountant for annual 3rd party audit
Corporate Credit Card
DCGB currently intends to offer 4 cards to staff. The current card program holds a combined credit limit of $10,000. DCGB administrator(s) will manage the individual accounts internally online. The following activity are the minimum requirements:
- Internal management of all cards that is easy to use
- DCGB administrator(s) has access to set security, activate or cancel cards, and increase or decrease limits as needed
- Online access to individual account holder balances and transactions and the ability to view individual charges as they happen, which includes the time, city, vendor, and amount charged
- Notifications if there is a problem with a card
- Cut-off date for the cards is the last day of the month
- One date each month when a consolidated payment will be withdrawn from the general checking account
- Electronic individual detailed transaction report (monthly statement) for each cardholder, as well as a summary report of all cardholders on a monthly basis
- Institution assistance for any inquiries
- Fraud coverage (stolen or lost cards)
- Provide details on insurance coverage available
Bank Statements and Checks
For all accounts, bank statements will be issued electronically on a monthly basis, with the cut-off being the last day of the month. The Institution will notify DCGB of any dishonored checks upon receipt. Minimally, the statements must include the following for each transaction posted to the account:
- Transaction date
- Brief description of the transaction
- Each debit or credit amount
- Copies of cleared checks
Safety Deposit Box
DCGB requires a safety deposit box, to be accessed on a semi-monthly basis. Include the location, times that our staff can access the box, and costs associated with a minimum size of 9 X 12 X 2 inches.
Cash Management Services
- List the Investment products and services for Cash Management
Overdraft Protection
DCGB requires $500,000 overdraft protection.
Recommended Services
Describe other services that would be beneficial to the DCGB along with associated costs. Discuss your experience in providing such services.
Fee Information and Interest Rates
Provide a breakdown of all fees charged for the following services requested, along with when the fee is charged:
- Deposits – US Funds (in-person and scanned)
- Checks cleared
- Stop payments
- Chargebacks
- Inter-Account transfers
- Preauthorized debits
- Preauthorized credits
- Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs)
- Bank drafts, certified checks, money orders and wire payments
- Safety Deposit Box
- Interest earned on accounts
- Credit card admin fees
- Other fees
For the purpose of estimating fees, the following example should be included:
- – Portfolio management (avg. balance $10-20 MM)
- – Operating Checking Account (avg. balance of $500M, 40 checks + 10 ACH per month)
- – Investment Account (avg. balance $10-20MM)
For each DCGB bank account, interest will be calculated and deposited at the end of each month. Provide the timing, methodology, and interest rates to be used to determine the interest calculation.
Conflicts of Interest
The proposals must identify any potential conflicts of interest known to the firm that may affect the provision of services to DCGB.
References
Please include three references for banking services for similar in size governmental or not-for-profit organizations
Proposal Process
| October 8, 2020 | RPF will be made available |
| October 23, 2020 | All Proposals must be submitted to DCBG by 4:00 p.n. |
| November 2, 2020 | Internal screening of proposals. DCGB will develop a short list of at least two Institutions whose references will then be contacted. |
| November 9, 2020 | Selected short list Institutions will be requested to present their proposal. |
| November 16, 2020 | Selection of the successful firm will be made and negotiation of terms of engagement undertaken. Other short-listed firms will be notified. |
| December 1, 2020 | Banking Services commence |
Selection Criteria
| Criteria | Available Points |
Mission Alignment
|
25 |
Services Offered
|
15 |
Technology
|
15 |
Customer Service
|
20 |
Corporate Credit Card
|
10 |
| Fees Information and Interest Rates | 15 |
| Total Available Points | 100 |
Proposal Conditions
Contingencies
- This Request for Proposals (RFP) does not commit DCGB to award a contract. DCGB reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or waive irregularities if DCGB determines it is in the best interest of DCGB to do so.
Acceptance or Rejection of Proposals
- Proposals shall remain open until October 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. DCGB realizes that conditions other than lowest cost are important and will award contract(s) based on the proposal(s) that best meet DCGB’s needs.
Modifications
- DCGB reserves the right to issue addenda or amendments to this RFP.
Proposal Submission
- To be considered, all proposals must be submitted in the manner set forth in this proposal. It is the Institution’s responsibility to ensure that its proposal arrives on or before the specified time.
Incurred costs
- This RFP does not commit DCGB to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal in response to this request. The Institution agrees that all costs incurred in developing its proposal are the Institution’s responsibility.
Negotiations
- DCGB may require the Institutions selected to participate in negotiations, and to submit cost or other revisions of their proposals as may result from negotiations.
Final Authority
- The final authority to award contracts as a result of this RFP rests solely with DCGB.
Contact Information
All inquiries should be directed to the following individuals:
Jean Nelson-Houpert, Controller – Jhoupert@dcgreenbank.org Phone: 202-301-8305
Donald Walker, III, Director of Operations – dwalker@dcgreenbank.org phone 202-301-8304
Applicable Requirements
The following documents are applicable to this procurement and are hereby incorporated by this reference:
| Item No. | Title | Date | Location |
| 1 | The Energy Efficiency Financing Act of 2010, effective May 27, 2010, as amended (D.C. Law 18-183; D.C. Code, 2001 Ed. § 8-1778.01 et seq.) (the “PACE Act”) | Latest | https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/laws/18-183.html |
| 2 | Green Finance Authority Establishment Act of 2018 | Latest | https://legiscan.com/DC/text/B22-0257/id/1808126/Washington_D_C_-2017-B22-0257-Enrolled.pdf |
| 3 | Clean Energy Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 | Latest | https://legiscan.com/DC/text/B22-0904/id/1833946/Washington_D_C_-2017-B22-0904-Enrolled.pdf |
| 4 | DC Green Bank Website | https://dcgreenbank.org/ | |
| 5 | DOEE DC Green Bank Website | https://doee.dc.gov/greenbank | |
| 6 | DC Green Bank Info | 11/29/18 | https://doee.dc.gov/sites/def u;t/files/dc/sites/ddoe/service_content/attachments/GREEN-BANK-PUBLIC-ONE-PAGER.pdf |
| 7 | Financial Institutions Deposit and Investment Amendment Act of 1997 | Latest | https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/laws/docs/12-56.pdf |
Notwithstanding anything contained herein, any award pursuant to this RFP shall be subject to the provisions of (a) the federal Anti-Deficiency Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 1341-1351 and 1511-1519(2004), and D.C. Official Code §§ 1-206.03(e) and 47-105 (2012 Repl.); (b) the District of Columbia Anti-Deficiency Act, D.C. Official Code §§ 47-355.01 et seq. (2012 Repl. and 2014 Supp.) ((a) and (b) collectively, the “Anti-Deficiency Acts”); and (c) § 446 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, D.C. Official Code § 1-204.46 (2012 Repl.), as each may be amended from time to time and each to the extent applicable to this RFP.
Definitions
The terms below are defined as follows:
Green Bank – A green bank is a fiscally-sustainable, innovative policy tool that jurisdictions use to finance projects that create green jobs, expand solar power, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Green banks are capitalized with public funds, which are then used to offer loans, leases, credit enhancements, and other financing services to close funding gaps for clean energy projects. The goal of a green bank is to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technology by leveraging private investment, removing upfront costs, and increasing the efficiency of public dollars.
PACE – Property Assessed Clean Energy financing.
DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) – A private contractor to the District that develops, coordinates, and administers programs for the purpose of promoting the sustainable use of energy in the District.
REDF – Renewable Energy Development Fund.
SETF – Sustainable Energy Trust Fund.
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards – a regulatory mandate to increase production of energy from renewable sources.
Solar Energy – Energy generation systems in the District of Columbia that convert energy from the sun into thermal or electrical energy, including solar photovoltaic and solar thermal.
Solar Energy Programs – one or more of a wide variety of solar energy services, including financial rebates, technical assistance, product installations, consumer information or other services, items, or conditions. Programs often offer incentives, generally monetary, to encourage the participant to participate in the program. An incentive is intended to overcome one or more barriers that keep the participant from installing a solar energy system on their own.