Challenge to C-Band Clearinghouse Selection Gets Opposition
Members of the C-band payment clearinghouse search committee opposed Vertix's application for review (AFR) of hiring CohnReznick. The request for proposals didn't specify a requirement that a banking institution be a principal, and CohnReznick says it would use Truist, so…
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the contract with it isn't unexpected, said clearinghouse search committee members in docket 18-122 comments Wednesday. They said Vertix alleges CohnReznick isn't using best practices, but the committee reviewed CohnReznick disclosures and determined it fulfilled the requirements and rules. Vertix didn't cite ways CohnReznick isn't meeting those, they said. Search committee member CTIA said Vertix is making "vague assertions [that] amount to no more than Vertix’s general dissatisfaction" with the CohnReznick decision. The supposed deficiencies are disagreements with subjective determinations made by the search committee, it said. Verizon, also opposing the Vertix AFR, said the RFP didn't require the clearinghouse to include a financial institution, and that CohnReznick later made voluntary commitments doesn't reflect on the sufficiency of its proposal. Vertix said the clearinghouse decision "deviates from the transparency and equality expected in government procurement," with CohnReznick's proposal many millions of dollars more expensive than others. Vertix, which opposed CohnReznick's nomination (see 2008190045), said clearinghouse performance issues could jeopardize the auction and transition.