City of Columbia, MO – Surety Company A.M. Best Rating Requirement

On behalf of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), a national trade association of surety bond producers, including licensed resident and nonresident producers placing bonds in the state of Missouri and in other jurisdictions, I am contacting you regarding the overly restrictive financial strength rating for surety companies required by the City of Columbia, Missouri (City). This highly restrictive A+ surety rating requirement in the City bid bond has recently has come to our attention, prompting us to express our concerns to you about the detrimental impact this will have on bidder interest, robust competition, project price, and minority and disadvantaged business participation.

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