Assist with Special Examination of ESG-Related Investment

The Auditor of Public Accounts is seeking proposals from qualified firms to assist with a special examination of ESG-related investments using Kentucky taxpayer dollars. The examination aims to determine whether five of Kentucky's state-administered retirement systems are investing in ways that further the best interests of the Commonwealth and not according to ESG criteria. The selected firm will be responsible for conducting the examination, providing a report, and making recommendations. The scope of work includes examining the investment practices of the five retirement systems, identifying any potential conflicts of interest, and providing recommendations for improvement. • The firm should have experience in conducting proxy voting audits and examinations. • The firm should have expertise in creating and ensuring adherence to proxy voting guidelines. • The firm should have experience engaging in the corporate engagement and shareholder proposal process. • The firm should have database capabilities in the area of asset manager voting as disclosed to the SEC through Form N-PX.