Retirement Plan Providers
Solving problems before they happen.
| Length | 214 words |
| FAQs | 6 |
| Reading time | 1 min |
Advisor RFP evaluations for when plan fees and services are under scrutiny. That scrutiny can come from litigation, U.S. Department of Labor reasonableness questions, or a new committee asking for documentation.
What We Evaluate
For 401(k) and 403(b) plans, we run independent evaluations for:
- 401(k) and 403(b) recordkeepers
- Investment advisors (3(21) and 3(38))
- TPAs
- Investment managers
- Cybersecurity evaluations related to plan vendors
For pension plans, evaluations commonly include:
- Pension investment advisors
- OCIO managers
- Custodians
- Investment managers
- Actuarial support related to the search
We also provide RFP evaluations for:
- Benefit brokers
- E&F advisors
How We Support the Process
Our role is to run an organized, documented evaluation process, including:
- Identifying providers that fit your size, location, and service needs
- Writing the RFP and managing the evaluation process
- Organizing criteria so the comparison is consistent
- Handling provider communication during the evaluation period
- Summarizing results and presenting findings
- Coordinating finalist presentations and agendas
- Managing provider references
- Supporting final fee negotiation
Who We Help
Most of our work comes through referrals from clients, ERISA law firms, and other service providers.
We are often contacted by HR directors, finance directors and CFOs, executive directors, and investment committee members. Sometimes because of real service concerns, and sometimes simply because they want an independent third party to look over their shoulder.
“The plan committee was extremely pleased with the advice provided to the committee and the results of the project. Working with the Culpepper Group streamlined the process.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this meant for someone like me in HR or Finance, or is it really for advisors and attorneys?
If you are the person carrying the responsibility for benefits decisions inside the organization, this will feel familiar. Culpepper RFP supports HR and finance leaders, ERISA counsel, and committees, because the pressure and the risk often land on your desk either way.
What would you actually take off my plate?
Culpepper RFP manages the RFP process itself, so you are not piecing together vendor comparisons, chasing information, and trying to document everything between your day-to-day responsibilities. You are still involved in direction and fiduciary decisions, but the heavy lift of gathering, organizing, and evaluating is handled through our documented process.
How much time is this going to take from me and my team?
Our services are designed to reduce the time executives and internal teams spend managing details. Expect some upfront coordination and a few check-ins along the way. The goal is that you are not carrying weeks of follow-up, tracking, and evaluation work on top of everything else.
RFPs can get political. Does this make it harder?
That is a real concern. Our services are positioned as an independent third-party evaluation process, which can lower the temperature and keep the focus on documented criteria instead of internal pressure or preference. It will not erase politics, but it gives you a clear, neutral structure to point back to.
Do I need to already understand fees and benchmarking to get value from this?
No. Our evaluation processes support people who are accountable for the outcome, even if the technical details are not your daily focus. We can also help you evaluate whether going to an RFP is even necessary.
How do I know whether I need a full RFP, an RFI, or just a benchmarking audit?
You are not alone in asking. Before you sign up we review your objectives and discuss the most cost-effective and time-effective solution. Our services include fee and service benchmarking, RFI evaluation, and full RFP evaluations, so the approach can match the situation instead of defaulting to the most intensive option.
Schedule a Call
- Phone
- (203) 952-3776
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm
- Schedule
- calendly.com/jgepfert