26-005-H - RFP Advertising Agency.pdf

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-005-H

FOR

ADVERTISING SERVICES

MINORITY BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Sharon Federowicz Assistant Director of Purchasing

THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY

7200 SOLLERS POINT ROAD

BALTIMORE, MD 21222-4692

443-840-3010 sfederowicz@ccbcmd.edu

SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES TIME: DATE

Issue Date 4:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Deadline for Questions 2:00 PM EST Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Technical Offer Due 4:00 PM EST Friday, February 6, 2026

Price Proposal Due 4:00 PM EST Monday, March 2, 2026

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ADVERTISING SERVICES # 26-005-H

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. SOLICITATION SUMMARY

II. SCOPE OF WORK

III. PROPOSAL CRITERIA & EVALUATION PROCESS

IV. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

V. APPENDIX A

1. REFERENCE FORM

2. BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

3. PRICE PROPOSAL WORKSHEET (TO BE SENT TO SHORT-LISTED OFFERORS)

VI ATTACHMENT A

1. CASE STUDY COVER SHEET

2. KEY PERSONNEL FORM

3. ANTICPIATED NUMBER OF HOURS FORM

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SECTION 1

SOLICITATION SUMMARY

A. OBJECTIVE

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) invites proposals from qualified firms to provide Pre-employment Background Screening.

B. ISSUING DEPARTMENT AND PURCHASING ADMINISTRATOR

The sole point of contact at CCBC for purposes of this Solicitation is the Procurement Officer noted below.

Any questions with regard to any aspect of this proposal must be directed to Brandy Henry, bhenry2@ccbcmd.edu. Only information communicated by the Procurement Officer shall be deemed the official position of the College.

C. CONTRACT TERM

This Contract shall be for a period of one (3) year beginning on or around April 30, 2026. CCBC has the option to renew the Contract for four (2) additional one-year periods at the sole option of the College.

In order to be considered, one (1) electronic copy of your Technical Proposal must be emailed on or before the due date noted below to bhenry2@ccbcmd.edu. Late proposals cannot be accepted.

Technical Offers are to be submitted on or before Friday, February 6, 2026 by or before 4:00 p.m. (ET).

D. COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL PROCESS

1. Respondents shall submit all mandatory requirements as set forth in this document.

2. Respondents shall submit an electronic copy of their Technical Proposal, including all attachments on or before the date and time specified on the title page. Any and all bids received after the date and time specified shall be considered late and rejected on that basis.

3. The Purchasing Officer shall initially review each submission for responsiveness. Bids of offerors determined to be not responsive or offerors determined to be not responsible shall be rejected on that basis.

4. A selection committee shall evaluate all Technical Offers, which the Purchasing Officer determines are responsive and responsible. Technical Offers shall be evaluated and determined by the Committee to be “acceptable” or “unacceptable.”

5. The selection committee, after an initial review of the responses, may elect to conduct discussions for the purpose of ensuring the complete understanding of CCBC’s requirements and respondent's technical proposal.

mailto:bhenry2@ccbcmd.edu mailto:bhenry2@ccbcmd.edu

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6. All offerors whose Technical Offers have been determined by the Committee as acceptable shall be invited to submit a sealed price bid and provide a product demonstration the week of February 23- 27, 2026.

7. Upon the completion of these processes, the evaluation committee shall make a recommendation to the Bid Officer. The said recommendation shall be based on the highest evaluated score considering the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP. The Purchasing Office will combine the scores for technical and price evaluations for a grand total score. Award shall be made to the firm receiving the highest evaluated grand total score.

8. Upon the approval of the Board of Trustees, award shall be made, and all unsuccessful respondents shall be so notified in a timely manner.

CCBC reserves the right to reject any and all Offerors, in whole or in part, received as a result of this solicitation, to waive minor irregularities, to negotiate in any manner necessary to best serve the interest of CCBC. Further CCBC reserves the right to make a whole award, multiple awards, a partial award, or no award at all.

END OF SECTION 1

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SECTION 2

SCOPE OF WORK

Overview The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is seeking proposals from full-service, experienced, and highly qualified marketing and advertising firms to serve as a strategic partner in the development and execution of integrated recruitment and brand-building campaigns. CCBC requires an agency capable of interpreting institutional priorities, producing research-driven creative concepts, designing and executing multi-channel advertising, and optimizing media placements to drive measurable enrollment growth.

CCBC serves a diverse student population, including high school students, working adults, career changers, online learners, and lifelong learners across academic, workforce training, and personal enrichment programs. In this environment, our future partner will help the college build strategies that prioritize messages and align campaigns throughout the year. To be considered, bidders must demonstrate the ability to manage multiple product campaigns with overlapping audiences and competing priorities.

This engagement will span three years, with two optional one-year renewals based on performance.

Engagement Structure

• First 6 months:

• Conduct research and develop a comprehensive media strategy.

• Provide media negotiation and buying services.

• Collaborate with CCBC to develop a new, research-backed creative campaign and produce all associated assets for launch in the next fiscal year while maintaining/optimizing existing campaigns through Summer 2027

• Year Two:

• Launch and optimize the new campaign (summer 2027)

• Update media strategy based on performance and emerging trends.

• Continue media buying, negotiation, and reporting.

• Year Three:

• Maintain and evolve the campaign.

• Provide refreshed strategic media planning and ongoing media buying services.

All campaign work should be fully integrated with CCBC’s public relations, digital communications, enrollment marketing, community engagement, event promotion, and social media efforts.

Minimum Threshold Requirements To be considered, bidders must:

• Have a minimum of five (5) years of successful experience providing integrated marketing, media planning, buying, and creative services.

• Demonstrate experience working with higher education or similarly complex, multi-audience organizations.

• Possess in-house or dedicated partner capabilities for creative development, digital marketing, paid media execution, analytics, and reporting.

Required Services The selected agency will collaborate closely with the CCBC Marketing & Communications division to provide a full suite of services, including but not limited to:

1. Strategic Planning

• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and audience segmentation.

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• Develop an annual integrated marketing and media strategy aligned to CCBC’s brand position and enrollment priorities.

• Recommend message prioritization across CCBC’s diverse portfolio—including degree programs, workforce training, continuing education, CCBC Online, transfer pathways, early college access, and high-achieving student recruitment.

• Provide strategic counsel on year-round enrollment cycles and campaign timing.

2. Creative Development

• Develop research-driven campaign concepts that strengthen CCBC’s brand and drive inquiry, application, and registration.

• Produce creative assets for digital, social, mobile, streaming, outdoor, print, video, and campus/event promotion.

• Ensure all creative aligns with CCBC’s brand identity and accessibility standards.

• Refresh campaign creative as needed based on insights and performance.

3. Media Planning, Buying, and Optimization

• Develop, negotiate, and execute a full media plan that includes:

• Paid search (SEM)

• Paid social (Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, others)

• Streaming video and audio

• Display and programmatic

• Outdoor and transit

• Traditional print, as appropriate

• Utilize geo-targeting, behavioral targeting, and demographic segmentation to reach priority audiences.

• Provide continuous optimization to maximize return on investment and increase enrollment impact.

4. Performance Measurement and Reporting

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with recruitment, brand awareness, and engagement goals.

• Implement robust media tracking through online reporting tools and real-time dashboards.

• Provide monthly and quarterly performance reviews with actionable insights and optimization recommendations.

5. Collaboration and Client Services

• Maintain thorough and ongoing documentation of media plans, creative assets, optimizations, and outcomes.

• Provide efficient client, budget, and contract management including estimates, approvals, invoicing, and reconciliation.

• Work collaboratively with CCBC leadership, internal creative teams, enrollment marketing, and digital strategy to ensure campaigns are integrated across all channels.

• Participate in regular reporting and planning meetings to provide proactive recommendations based on market trends and student behavior insights.

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Background Mission CCBC provides an accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that prepares students for transfer and career success, strengthens the regional workforce, and enriches the community.

Brand Vision CCBC empowers individuals to transform their lives by providing affordable access to high-quality degree, transfer, career training, and personal enrichment programs.

Key Consumer Profile Prospective students seeking to improve their earning potential, launch or change careers, complete a degree, earn a workforce credential, or pursue personal enrichment.

Key Brand Messages High Quality • Flexible • Convenient • Supportive • Affordable

Key Strategic Priorities The agency must demonstrate the ability to support marketing initiatives across CCBC’s most critical institutional priorities, including:

1. Tuition Free Initiative – Incorporation of our value proposition/Tuition Free messaging into all relevant campaigns.

2. Targeted Academic Program Marketing – identifying and promoting priority programs based on workforce demand and institutional goals.

3. Integration of Credit and Non-Credit Marketing – supporting stackable credentials and student lifecycle engagement.

4. Transfer Opportunity Promotion – emphasizing CCBC’s strong transfer pathways and attracting first-time college students.

5. High-Achieving Student Recruitment – promoting programs such as Launch and Lead Scholars, CCBC Bound, and other elevated academic experiences.

6. Event Promotion and Community Engagement – marketing open houses, career fairs, workforce events, campus experiences, and recruitment-focused activities.

7. Expansion of CCBC Online – promoting more than 60 fully online programs to local and out-of-region learners.

END OF SECTION 2

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SECTION 3

PROPOSAL CRITERIA & EVALUATION PROCESS

Respondents shall submit an electronic copy of their Technical Offer. When submitting a Technical Offer, the following minimum information must be provided for proper evaluation by the selection committee. Please note that your offer, if considered responsive, will be rated against other responsive submissions and the evaluation criteria described in the scope of work. Your Technical Offer should be complete in every way in order for the Selection Committee to make a proper and complete evaluation of your capabilities and response. Respondents not providing the following information shall be considered non-responsive.

The Technical Offer shall be clear and concise. Utilize a table of contents for ease in finding necessary information.

Respondent’s technical proposal shall be submitted in the following format. Technical Offer shall use a Table of Contents and be submitted in the following order:

A. Introduction: Description of the vendor’s company and general company/corporate information (no longer than two pages).

B. Appendix A: All data must be provided and questions completed.

C. Technical Offer: Must specify exactly how the vendor will perform the services by specification. Do not provide boilerplate responses or information that does not address how you will accomplish a specific requirement. Failure to address all specifications may result in a determination that the offeror’s submittal is non-responsive. Technical Criteria are listed below in relative order of importance.

1. Understanding of Requirements and Implementation Demonstrate your understanding of CCBC’s needs by describing in detail how your firm will approach strategic planning; creative development; media planning, buying and optimization; performance measurement and reporting; and collaboration and client services as detailed in Required Services (Section 2, Page 5).

Propose a timeline for year’s one, two and three of the CCBC contract.

Year one should reflect transition planning to ensure that CCBC advertising remains in-market between contracts. Include a Gantt chart to illustrate the proposed implementation schedule with key activities and estimated milestones.

2. Firm Experiences on Similar or Relevant Projects

The offeror must include as a part of their proposal, sufficient documentation on client references and qualifications to support their ability and experience to perform the scope of work contained in the

RFP.

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a. Provide five references – See Reference Form in Appendix

b. Case Studies:

From the five references, select three and provide a brief case study for each that demonstrates your experience with work related to CCBC requirements.

Use the Case Study Cover Sheet (See Case Study Cover Sheet in Attachment A) to provide client information, as well as information about how the services you provided to this client align with CCBC’s requirements.

3. Project Challenge

a. Problem: CCBC’s marketing of its non-credit, Continuing

Education offerings is still highly dependent on print and direct mail, including the mailing of a large and expensive course catalog to thousands of homes three times per year. In addition, most registrations for these courses are handled by phone in the college call center.

Question: How would your firm develop strategies that help CCBC move to a more modern, digital approach while demonstrating the value of this shift to stakeholders? Provide a written response framing the issue and presenting strategies and tactics your firm would recommend as CCBC’s digital advertising partner.

4. Personnel

Provide the names of all employees who would be assigned to this project if awarded. For each individual listed, state their job title, their area of responsibility (and a brief resume on each), including educational background, work experience with bidding firm, previous work experience with other firms, specific experience similar to the current project, and their credentials. In addition, the offeror should complete the Key Personnel form and Anticipated Number of Hours form attached. Refer to Attachment A.

END OF SECTION 3

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SECTION 4

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

A. PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS

This Bid and any resulting contract shall be governed by State Finance and Procurement Article and Sections 16-311 through 16-314 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended (the State Code.)

Any information contained in the Offeror’s response that is proprietary or confidential must be clearly designated as such. Marking of the entire response or entire sections of the response as proprietary or confidential will not be accepted or honored. Pricing cannot be deemed confidential.

B. INCURRED EXPENSES

CCBC will not be responsible for any costs incurred by any Offeror in preparing and submitting a bid and/or product demonstrations.

C. CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

Contractor agrees to deal in good faith with the College at all times in all matters. Dealing in good faith includes, but is not limited to, not misleading the College; not making representations which are untrue; not making promises which are not kept; attempting to resolve disputes promptly and amicably; and not filing claims or protests that are without merit or foundation.

D. TAXES

CCBC is exempt from Federal Excise Taxes and Maryland State Sales and Use Taxes. CCBC's tax exemption does not extend to the successful Offeror. Each Offeror must determine its own tax status.

Pursuant to 7‐202 et. Seq. of the Corporation and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, corporations not incorporated in the State of Maryland shall be registered with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 before doing any interstate or foreign business in Maryland. A copy of the registration or application for registration may be requested by the College.

E. CLOSING OF COLLEGE

Information regarding college closings or delayed openings may be obtained by contacting the CCBC weather line on 443-840-3700 or at www.ccbcmd.edu. In the event that the College is closed, responses will be due on the next day the College is officially open, at the same time.

In the event the College has a delayed opening on the Bid Due Date, the Bid Due Date and time will not change.

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F. Insurance and Indemnity The successful Offeror shall indemnify and save and hold harmless the Board of Trustees of CCBC, their agents, directors, employees, and officials against any or all loss, cost, damage, claim, expense or liability whatsoever including reasonable attorney fees that are the result of the contractor's acts or omissions under the contract. The indemnification obligation of the contractor shall include but not be limited to, injuries to individuals and the property of individuals who are not party to the contract. The contractor's indemnification obligation shall cover the acts or omissions of any subcontractors hired by the contractor. The contractor's indemnification obligation shall survive termination of the contract for any reason.

The successful Offeror shall secure, pay the premiums for, and keep in force until the expiration of this contract, and any renewal thereof, adequate insurance as provided below, such insurance to specifically include liability assumed by the contractor under this contract.

• Workmen's Compensation Insurance as required by laws of the State of Maryland.

• Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with limits of not less than:

Bodily Injury: $1,000,000 each occurrence; $1,000,000 aggregate Property Damage $1,000,000 each occurrence; $1,000,000 aggregate

• Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance with limits of not less than:

Bodily Injury: $ 500,000 each person; $1,000,000 each occurrence Property Damage $ 500,000 each occurrence;

Each of the above policies, with the exception of Workmen's Compensation, shall (a) include CCBC as an additional insured, with respect to operations under the Contract; (b) cover the premises occupied by the Contractor; and (c) shall cover and not exclude Contractor's liability for injury to the property of the College and to the persons or property of employees, students, faculty members, agents, officers, trustees and guests of the College.

Each policy of insurance shall contain the following endorsement: "It is understood and agreed that the Insurance Company shall notify the College in writing, 30 days in advance of the effective date of any reduction in the dollar amount of coverage, notice of non renewal, termination or cancellation of this policy". Certificates of Insurance evidencing each of the above coverages shall be provided to the College prior to Contract award.

The insurance companies providing the above coverages must be satisfactory to the College.

The College and the Contractor hereby waive any and all right of recovery from each other for loss caused by acts of God defined in their respective fire, extended coverage, and sprinkler leakage insurance policies.

The Contractor shall not allow any liens filed against CCBC or the property of CCBC by a person or firm for any reason arising out of the furnishing of services or materials by the Contractor. Any lien filed against CCBC or its property shall be disposed of within 30 days of its filing. Failure of the Contractor to dispose of such liens within the 30-day period shall constitute default.

The actions of a Contractor with third parties are not binding upon CCBC. The Contractor is not a division of CCBC.

END OF SECTION 4

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APPENDIX A

FIRM EXPERIENCE – RFB MULTI-STEP # 26-005-H

OFFEROR: _____________________________________________________________

The Offeror is to provide five (5) contracts that are deemed similar or relevant to the CCBC contract.

Contracts listed should demonstrate experience in the provision of services that are similar to the CCBC scope of services.

1. Company /Institution Name: __________________________________

Contact Name: _________________________________________

Contact Title: ______________________________________________________________

Contact E-mail address: ______________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number: Contact Fax Number:_________________

Description of services performed ______________________________________

Dates services provided: ______________________________________________________

Dollar Volume of Contract: ___________________________________________________

2. Company /Institution Name: __________________________________

Contact Name: _________________________________________

Contact Title: ______________________________________________________________

Contact E-mail address: ______________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number: Contact Fax Number:_________________

Description of services performed ______________________________________

Dates services provided: ______________________________________________________

Dollar Volume of Contract: ___________________________________________________

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APPENDIX A -

FIRM EXPERIENCE – RFB MULTI-STEP # 21-011-F

OFFEROR: _____________________________________________________________

3. Company /Institution Name: __________________________________

Contact Name: _________________________________________

Contact Title: ______________________________________________________________

Contact E-mail address: ______________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number: Contact Fax Number:_________________

Description of services performed ______________________________________

4. Company /Institution Name: __________________________________

Contact Title: ______________________________________________________________

Contact E-mail address: ______________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number: Contact Fax Number:_________________

Description of services performed ______________________________________

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FIRM EXPERIENCE – RFB MULTI-STEP # 21-011-F

4. Company /Institution Name: __________________________________

Contact Title: ______________________________________________________________

Contact E-mail address: ______________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number: Contact Fax Number:_________________

Description of services performed ______________________________________

END OF FORM

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BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

A. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

I HEREBY AFFIRM THAT: I am the (title) ____________________________________ and the duly authorized representative of (business) _____________________________________________ and that I possess the legal authority to make this Affidavit on behalf of myself and the business for which I am acting.

B. NOT USED

B-1. CERTIFICATION REGARDING MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (applicable if an MBE goal is set)

The undersigned Offeror or offeror hereby certifies and agrees that it has fully complied with the State Minority Business Enterprise Law, State Finance and Procurement Article, §14-308(a)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland, which provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, a contractor may not identify a certified minority business enterprise in a bid or proposal and:

(1) Fail to request, receive, or otherwise obtain authorization from the certified minority business enterprise to identify the certified minority proposal;

(2) Fail to notify the certified minority business enterprise before execution of the contract of its inclusion in the bid or proposal;

(3) Fail to use the certified minority business enterprise in the performance of the contract; or

(4) Pay the certified minority business enterprise solely for the use of its name in the bid or proposal.

Without limiting any other provision of the solicitation on this project, it is understood that if the certification is false, such false certification constitutes grounds for the State to reject the bid submitted by the Offeror on this project, and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid.

B-2. CERTIFICATION REGARDING VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (if applicable to the solicitation)

The undersigned Offeror or offeror hereby certifies and agrees that it has fully complied with the State veteran-owned small business enterprise law, State Finance and Procurement Article, §14-605, Annotated Code of Maryland, which provides that a person may not:

(1) Knowingly and with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtain, attempt to obtain, or aid another person in fraudulently obtaining or attempting to obtain public money, procurement contracts, or funds expended under a procurement contract to which the person is not entitled under this title;

(2) Knowingly and with intent to defraud, fraudulently represent participation of a veteran–owned small business enterprise in order to obtain or retain a bid preference or a procurement contract;

(3) Willfully and knowingly make or subscribe to any statement, declaration, or other document that is fraudulent or false as to any material matter, whether or not that falsity or fraud is committed with the knowledge or consent of the person authorized or required to present the declaration, statement, or document;

(4) Willfully and knowingly aid, assist in, procure, counsel, or advise the preparation or presentation of a declaration, statement, or other document that is fraudulent or false as to any material matter, regardless of whether that falsity or fraud is committed with the knowledge or consent of the person authorized or required to present the declaration, statement, or document;

(5) Willfully and knowingly fail to file any declaration or notice with the unit that is required by COMAR 21.11.12; or

(6) Establish, knowingly aid in the establishment of, or exercise control over a business found to have violated a provision of §B-2(1)—

(5) of this regulation.

C. AFFIRMATION REGARDING BRIBERY CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business (as is defined in Section 16-101(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland), or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business’s contracting activities including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies has been convicted of, or has had probation before judgment imposed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article, §6-220, Annotated Code of Maryland, or has pleaded nolo contendere to a charge of bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe in violation of Maryland law, or of the law of any other state or federal law, except as follows (indicate the reasons why the affirmation cannot be given and list any conviction, plea, or imposition of probation before judgment with the date, court, official or administrative body, the sentence or disposition, the name(s) of person(s) involved, and their current positions and responsibilities with the business):

D. AFFIRMATION REGARDING OTHER CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business, or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business’s contracting activities including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies, has:

(1) Been convicted under state or federal statute of a criminal offense incident to obtaining or attempting to obtain, or performing a public or private contract, fraud, embezzlement, theft, forgery, falsification or destruction of records, or receiving stolen property;

(2) Been convicted of any criminal violation of a state or federal antitrust statute;

(3) Been convicted under the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code for violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, 18 U.S.C. §1961, et seq., or the Mail Fraud Act, 18 U.S.C. §1341 et seq., for acts arising out of the submission of bids or proposals for a public or private contract;

(4) Been convicted of a violation of the State Minority Business Enterprise Law, Section 14-308 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland;

(5) Been convicted of a violation of §11-205.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland;

(6) Been convicted of conspiracy to commit any act or omission that would constitute grounds for conviction or liability under any law or statute described in subsection (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5), above;

(7) Been found civilly liable under a state or federal antitrust statutes for acts or omissions in connection with the submission of bids or proposals for a public or private contract;

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(8) Admitted in writing or under oath, during the course of an official investigation or other proceedings, acts or omissions that would constitute grounds for conviction or liability under any law or statute described above, except as follows (indicate reasons why the affirmations cannot be given, and list any conviction, plea, or imposition of probation before judgment with the date, court, official or administrative body, the sentence or disposition, the name(s) of the person(s) involved and their current positions and responsibilities with the business, and the status of any debarment):

E. AFFIRMATION REGARDING DEBARMENT

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business, or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business’s contracting activities, including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies, has ever been suspended or debarred (including being issued a limited denial of participation) by any public entity, except as follows (list each debarment or suspension providing the dates of the suspension or debarment, the name of the public entity and the status of the proceedings, the name(s) of the person(s) involved and their current positions and responsibilities with the business, the grounds of the debarment or suspension, and the details of each person's involvement in any activity that formed the grounds of the debarment or suspension):

F. AFFIRMATION REGARDING DEBARMENT OF RELATED ENTITIES

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

(1) The business was not established and it does not operate in a manner designed to evade the application of or defeat the purpose of debarment pursuant to Sections 16-101, et seq., of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(2) The business is not a successor, assignee, subsidiary, or affiliate of a suspended or debarred business, except as follows (you must indicate the reasons why the affirmations cannot be given without qualification):

G. SUB-CONTRACT AFFIRMATION

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business, has knowingly entered into a contract with a public body under which a person debarred or suspended under Title 16 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated code of Maryland will provide, directly or indirectly, supplies, services, architectural services, construction-related services, leases of real property, or construction.

H. AFFIRMATION REGARDING COLLUSION

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business, has:

(1) Agreed, conspired, connived, or colluded to produce a deceptive show of competition in the compilation of the accompanying bid or offer that is being submitted;

(2) In any manner, directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement of any kind to fix the bid price or price proposal of the Offeror or offeror or of any competitor, or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competitive bidding in connection with the contract for which the accompanying bid or offer is submitted.

I. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AFFIRMATION

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: I am aware of, and the above business will comply with the provisions of Section 13-221 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, which require that every business that enters into contracts, leases, or other agreements with the State of Maryland or its agencies during a calendar year under which the business is to receive in the aggregate $100,000 or more shall, within 30 days of the time when the aggregate value of these contracts, leases or other agreements reaches $100,000, file with the Secretary of State of Maryland certain specified information to include disclosure of beneficial ownership of the business.

J. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE AFFIRMATION

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: I am aware of and that the above business will comply with, Election Law Article, §§14-101 – 14-108, Annotated Code of Maryland, which requires that every person that enters into contracts, leases, or other agreements with the State of Maryland, including its agencies or a political subdivision of the State, during a calendar year in which the person receives in the aggregate $100,000 or more shall file with the State Board of Elections a statement disclosing contributions in excess of $500 made during the reporting period to a candidate for elective office in any primary or general election.

K. DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE

(Applicable to all contracts unless the contract is for a law enforcement agency and the agency head or the agency head's designee has determined that application of COMAR 21.11.08 and this certification would be inappropriate in connection with the law enforcement agency's undercover operations.)

I CERTIFY THAT:

(1) Terms defined in COMAR 21.11.08 shall have the same meaning when used in this certification.

(2) By submission of its bid or offer, the business, if other than an individual, certifies and agrees that, with respect to its employees to be employed under a contract resulting from this solicitation, the business shall:

(a) Maintain a workplace free of drug and alcohol abuse during the term of the contract;

(b) Publish a statement notifying its employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of drugs, and the abuse of drugs or alcohol is prohibited in the business' workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of these prohibitions;

(c) Prohibit its employees from working under the influence of drugs and alcohol;

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(d) Not hire or assign to work on the contract anyone whom the business knows, or in the exercise of due diligence should know, currently abuses drugs or alcohol and is not actively engaged in a bona fide drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program;

(e) Promptly inform the appropriate law enforcement agency of every drug-related crime that occurs in its workplace if the business has observed the violation or otherwise has reliable information that a violation has occurred;

(f) Establish drug and alcohol abuse awareness programs to inform its employees about:

(i) The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace,

(ii) The business' policy of maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace,

(iii) Any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and

(iv) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees who abuse drugs and alcohol in the workplace;

(g) Provide all employees engaged in the performance of the contract with a copy of the statement required by K(2)(b), above;

(h) Notify its employees in the statement required by §K(2)(b) above, that as a condition of continued employment on the contract, the employee shall:

(i) Abide by the terms of the statement, and

(ii) Notify the employer of any criminal drug or alcohol abuse conviction for an offense occurring in the workplace not later than five (5) days after a conviction;

(i) Notify the procurement officer within 10 days after receiving notice under §K(2)(h)(ii), above, or otherwise receiving actual notice of a conviction;

(j) Within 30 days after receiving notice under §K(2)(h)(ii), above, or otherwise receiving actual notice of a conviction, impose either of the following sanctions or remedial measures on any employee who is convicted of a drug or alcohol abuse offense occurring in the workplace:

(i) Take appropriate personnel action against an employee, up to and including termination, or

(ii) Require an employee to satisfactorily participate in a bona fide drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program; and,

(k) Make a good faith effort to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace through implementation of §K(2)(a)-(j), above.

(3) If the business is an individual, the individual shall certify and agree, as set forth in K(4), below, that the individual shall not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of drugs or the abuse of drugs or alcohol in the performance of the contract.

(4) I acknowledge and agree that:

(a) The award of contract is conditional upon compliance with COMAR 21.11.08 and this certification;

(b) The violation of the provisions of COMAR 21.11.08 or this certification shall be cause to suspend payments under, or terminate the contract for default under COMAR 21.07.01.11 or 21.07.03.15, as applicable; and

(c) The violation of the provisions of COMAR 21.11.08 or this certification in connection with the contract may, in the exercise of the discretion of the Board of Public Works, result in suspension and debarment of the business under COMAR 21.08.03.

L. CERTIFICATION OF CORPORATION REGISTRATION AND TAX PAYMENT

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

(1) The business named above is a (domestic )(foreign ) [check one] corporation registered in accordance with the Corporations and Associations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and that it is in good standing and has filed all of its annual reports, together with filing fees, with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, and that the name and address of its resident agent filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation is:

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

(If not applicable, so state.)

(2) Except as validly contested, the business has paid, or has arranged for payment of, all taxes due the State of Maryland and has filed all required returns and reports with the Comptroller of the Treasury, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, and the Employment Security Administration, as applicable, and will have paid all withholding taxes due the State of Maryland prior to final settlement.

M. CONTINGENT FEES

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT: The business has not employed or retained any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity, other than a bona fide employee or agent working for the business, to solicit or secure the Contract, and that the business has not paid or agreed to pay any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity, other than a bona fide employee or agent, any fee or any other consideration contingent on the making of the Contract.

N. CONFLICT OF INTEREST AFFIDAVIT AND DISCLOSURE

(1) "Conflict of interest" means that because of other activities or relationships with other persons, a person is unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the State, or the person's objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or a person has an unfair competitive advantage.

(2) "Person" has the meaning stated in COMAR 21.01.02.01B(64) and includes a Offeror, offeror, contractor, consultant, or subcontractor or subconsultant at any tier, and also includes an employee or agent of any of them if the employee or agent has or will have the authority to control or supervise all or a portion of the work for which a bid or offer is made.

(3) The Offeror or offeror warrants that, except as disclosed in §(4), below, there are no relevant facts or circumstances now giving rise or which could, in the future, give rise to a conflict of interest.

(4) The following facts or circumstances give rise or could in the future give rise to a conflict of interest (explain detail—attach additional sheets if necessary):

(5) The Offeror or offeror agrees that if an actual or potential conflict of interest arises after the date of this affidavit, the Offeror or offeror shall immediately make a full disclosure in writing to the procurement officer of all relevant facts and circumstances. This disclosure shall include a description of actions which the Offeror or offeror has taken and proposes to take to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the actual or potential conflict of interest.

If the contract has been awarded and performance of the contract has begun, the contractor shall continue performance until notified by the procurement officer of any contrary action to be taken.

O. CERTIFICATION REGARDING INVESTMENTS IN IRAN

21-011-F RFP - Advertising Services 18

(1) The undersigned Offeror or offeror certifies that, in accordance with State Finance & Procurement Article, §17-705:

(i) it is not identified on the list created by the Board of Public Works as a person engaging in investment activities in Iran as described in §17-702 of State Finance & Procurement; and

(ii) it is not engaging in investment activities in Iran as described in State Finance & Procurement Article, §17-702.

(2) The undersigned Offeror or offeror is unable to make the above certification regarding its investment activities in Iran due to the following activities:

P. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT this Affidavit is to be furnished to the Procurement Officer and may be distributed to units of: (1) the State of Maryland; (2) counties or other subdivisions of the State of Maryland; (3) other states; and, (4) the federal government. I further acknowledge that this Affidavit is subject to applicable laws of the United States and the State of Maryland, both criminal and civil, and that nothing in this Affidavit or any contract resulting from submission of this bid or proposal shall be construed to supersede, amend, modify or waive, on behalf of the State of Maryland or any unit of the State of Maryland having jurisdiction, the exercise of any right or remedy conferred by the Constitution and the laws of Maryland in respect to any misrepresentation made or any violation of the obligations, terms and covenants undertaken by the above business in respect to (1) this Affidavit, (2) the contract, and (3) other Affidavits comprising part of the contract.

I DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE AND AFFIRM UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS AFFIDAVIT ARE TRUE

AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION, AND BELIEF.

Date: By: ____________________________________________________________________________ (Authorized Representative and Affiant) Company Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

FEIN No:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

END OF BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

21-011-F RFP - Advertising Services 19

PRICE PROPOSAL WORKSHEET

To be sent to short-listed Offerors at a later time

END OF APPENDIX A

21-011-F RFP - Advertising Services 20

ATTACHMENT A

CASE STUDY COVER SHEET

OFFEROR: _________________________________

PROJECT NAME: _______________________________________

CONTACT PERSON: _________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER: _________________________ _____________________

CONTRACT DOLLAR VOLUME $_________________ PROJECT START DATE: _________

_____________ HIGHER EDUCATION _______________ PUBLIC SECTOR

_____________ OTHER: ____________________________________________________

OVERALL DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROJECT

DESCRIBE THE SIMILARITIES OF THIS PROJECT

21-011-F RFP - Advertising Services 21

Page 2 if 2

LIST BELOW ALL PROPOSED TEAM MEMBERS WHO WORKED ON THIS PROJET BY

NAME AND POSITION

TEAM MEMBER POSITION HELD ON THIS PROJECT

1. ____________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________________________

6. ______________________________________________________________________________

7. ______________________________________________________________________________

8. ______________________________________________________________________________

9. ______________________________________________________________________________

10. ______________________________________________________________________________

21-011-F RFP - Advertising Services 22

KEY PERSONNEL

OFFEROR: ___________________________________________

POSITION TITLE

NAME

DUTIES

NUMBER

OF YEARS

WITH

OFFEROR

NUMBER

OF YEARS

IN FIEELD

NUMBER

OF YEARS

IN

ASSIGNED

ROLD

21-011-F RFP - Advertising Services 23

ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF HOURS

OFFEROR: _____________________________________________________

Provide anticipated number of hours for staff for each proposed position

POSITION TITLE ANTICIPATED TOTAL HOURS PER

YEAR

END OF ATTACHMENT A

END OF RFB DOCUMENTS