How to bid on CDARS Program Relationship Bank Services for the City of Houston

What the City of Houston is buying

The City of Houston is looking for qualified financial institutions to provide Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) Program Relationship Bank Services for the City Controller's Office. This means the selected bank or banks will help place and manage the City's deposits using the CDARS network. The City may choose to work with more than one bank. The contract can be ended by either party with 30 days' written notice.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was published on September 11, 2026. All responses must be submitted by October 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Responses received after this deadline will not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for financial institutions with experience in providing CDARS program services. Firms that specialize in professional financial services and managing large deposits through networks like CDARS are well-suited for this RFQ. The City Controller's Office is the issuing agency.

How to respond

To access the full details, attachments, and submit your response, you need to go to the agency's Beacon portal. You can view the solicitation's page publicly without signing in. To download documents, join the interest list, or submit your electronic response, you will need to create a free Beacon supplier account.

Ensure you complete all necessary steps on the portal before the submission deadline.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly demonstrate your institution's experience and capability in managing CDARS programs. Highlight your understanding of municipal deposit requirements and your ability to efficiently place and manage funds through the CDARS network. Since the City may select multiple banks, emphasize your unique strengths and value proposition.

Pay close attention to all instructions and requirements outlined in the solicitation documents. Ensure your submission is complete, accurate, and submitted electronically through the Beacon portal well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.