El Paso pension board considers Prestige Consulting Services proposal for strategic plan; board divided on formal procurement

The El Paso City Pension Board heard a proposal from Gilbert Moreno of Prestige Consulting Services to develop a strategic plan for the fund, then discussed whether to hire the firm directly or seek competitive quotes. Executive Director Robert Ashford introduced the proposal and said the board had sought a strategic plan for several years.

"The board in the past 2 years has been steadfast in wanting to develop a strategic plan for the organization," Robert Ashford said before turning the presentation over to Gilbert Moreno. Moreno, the principal of Prestige Consulting Services and a native of El Paso, described a three‑phase approach that includes pre‑planning work, two half‑day board workshops and a follow‑up accountability and implementation phase. He said the firm—s fee is a firm fixed price that includes a 15% nonprofit allowance and that the company has prior experience doing strategic work for local entities, including a project tied to Mayor Leeser—s administration and a recent Police Department 20‑year forecast.

Board members asked about procurement. One board member asked whether the board had obtained quotes; staff said the board had not issued an RFQ and could do so but was not certain it was required. "So, we did not go out for an RFQ, for this service. You can certainly do so if that's what you choose to do," staff said. Several members said they were familiar with Moreno—s prior work and supported moving forward without a competitive process; other members suggested obtaining informal quotes before awarding the work.

Board members also discussed the desired planning horizon. Moreno said most organizations use a five‑year horizon but that some work on a three‑year or, for specific utilities, much longer plans; he recommended not choosing a horizon shorter than three years for a strategic plan.

Before questions, the chair assigned the vice chair, Robert Studer, to work with Executive Director Robert Ashford on an ad hoc pre‑planning committee to prepare materials ahead of the board workshops. Several board members said they supported approving the engagement; others said they preferred an informal quote process or an RFQ. There was no formal vote recorded during the meeting to approve the contract.

The board asked staff and the ad hoc group to draft next steps, including whether to seek additional quotes and to provide a proposed timeline for two half‑day workshops and the accountability follow‑up. No binding agreement or purchase order was signed at the meeting.