The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) is soliciting applications from qualified pension plan consultants to provide investment counselor/consulting services (Vendor) that are necessary for the ERS Board of Trustees (Board) to perform its constitutional fiduciary duties beginning September 1, 2008 and continuing for five years with the possibility to extend for two two-year periods at the option of ERS pursuant to the initial term and relevant renewal provisions of the Contract (as defined in Section I.B.13. and pursuant to terms further set forth in Appendix B).