Global Custodial Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is soliciting proposals for Global Custodial Services. DFC requires a custodian bank to hold a wide variety of securities globally, as it cannot maintain accounts with financial market infrastructure companies. This solicitation aims to secure support for asset holding, transaction settlement, financial reporting, and compliance. Quotes are due Monday, May 6th, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The selected custodian will provide comprehensive global custodial services, including:
- Holding diverse securities (debt, equity, OTC, private placement).
- Settling securities transactions and working with brokers/clearinghouses.
- Receiving, accepting, and recording DFC's assets.
- Transferring funds to the U.S. Treasury.
- Supporting DFC's financial reporting and compliance with tax/regulatory regimes.
- Providing system interfaces for efficient service delivery.
- Maintaining robust internal controls and obtaining an annual Service Organization Control (SOC) 1, Type 2 report.
Specific Questions for Offerors
Offerors must address key aspects of their service, including:
- Global custody service structure (local, direct, hybrid).
- Countries where direct services are not provided.
- Operations in emerging markets (full list, specific details for India, Mexico, Australia, Brazil).
- Types of securities that can be housed.
- Services offered (custody, accounting, FX, liquidity, reporting, trust, treasury).
- Fee structure (fixed or dependent on asset type/size, tiered pricing).
- Experience with Development Banks/DFIs, Public Pension Funds, and Sovereign Wealth Funds (active contracts or within 3 years).
- Estimated account setup time and notional KYC diligence requirements.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Anticipated Firm-Fixed Price (FFP). The government may award a single award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with a 5-year ordering period, or a standalone contract with a 12-month base and four 12-month option periods.
- Period of Performance: Up to 5 years for BPA, or 1 base year + 4 option years for standalone.
- Place of Performance: Vendor's financial institution.
- NAICS Code: 522320 ($47 Million size standard).
- Published Date: April 6, 2026.
- Quote Due Date: Monday, May 6th, 2026, by 5:00 PM (1700) Eastern Time.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted via email to Michael Pasquella (michael.pasquella@dfc.gov). Offerors must register and use FedConnect for communication and document submission.
- Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the most advantageous offeror, considering: 1) Demonstrated capabilities meeting technical requirements, 2) Responses to questions in Section 11.1 Proposal Requirements, and 3) Price.
Additional Notes
This acquisition is listed as Unrestricted, but includes options for Small Business set-asides and HUBZONE price evaluation preference. Inquiries should be directed to Michael Pasquella, Contract Specialist.