METHODOLOGY: Between late June and late August 2011, approximately 50,000 survey questionnaires were sent to DC plan sponsors from the PLANSPONSOR magazine database, as well as to client lists supplied by DC providers; 6,885 total usable responses were received by the close of the survey on August 26, 2011. In order to qualify for rating in the survey, providers needed a minimum of 35 total client responses. In order to be rated in a particular asset category, a provider needed at least 15 client responses per service category in the micro, small, or mid asset categories, and at least 10 responses in the large or mega asset categories. Scores for participant and sponsor services were calculated in each asset category in which a provider qualified for a rating. The score for participant services in each provider’s listing comprises the cumulative average of 13 categories, and sponsor service comprises 10 categories. The number of Best in Class awards won in each asset category is listed (see Best in Class charts for individual category awards). The percentage score represents the cumulative score out of 100%. The letter grades were assigned according to the cumulative scores as follows: