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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Winston Salem State University

Request for Proposal #: 74-WS0041-2026

Strategic Communication and Integrated Marketing Advisor Services

Date of Issue: October 7, 2026

Written Question Submission Deadline: October 12, 2026 via email no later than 1:00pm EDT

Proposal Submission Date: October 27, 2026 at 1:00pm EDT via the State electronic Vendor Portal (eVP)

Proposal Opening Date: October 27, 2026 at 3:00pm EDT via Zoom (see Section 2.7)

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFP to:

Richard R. Fleming, C.P.M., NCCM

Director of Purchasing Services

Email: flemingrr@wssu.edu

Phone: 336-750-2731

Request for Proposal #

74-WS0041-2026

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of proposals, provide your company’s eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public.

This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available for public inspection.

This page shall be filled out and returned with your proposal.

Failure to do so may subject your proposal to rejection.

Vendor Name

Vendor eVP#

Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered Vendor in good standing. You must enter the Vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor

Portal). If you do not have a Vendor number, register athttps://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Electronic responses via the State of North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFP to:

Richard R. Fleming, C.P.M., NCCM Director of Purchasing Services flemingrr@wssu.edu

Request for Proposal #: 74-WS0041-2026 Proposals will be publicly opened: All information being presented as a response to this RFP must be uploaded to the State eVP portal no later than 1:00pm EDT on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. All responses will be opened later that afternoon at 3:00pm EDT via Zoom. See section 2.7.

Using Agency: Winston-Salem State University Commodity No. and Description:

Requisition No.:

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Request for Proposals (RFP), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

By executing this proposal, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:

this proposal is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54), none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.

Furthermore, by executing this proposal, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor’s knowledge and belief, that:

it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of this RFP, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.

As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any Contract arising from this solicitation.

G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public contracts; or awarding or administering public contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public contract of any gift from anyone with a contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this response to the RFP, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your organization.

By executing this proposal, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be accessed from the ATTACHMENTS page within this document.

Failure to execute/sign proposal prior to submittal may render proposal invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late proposals shall not be accepted.

COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:

Division of Winston Salem State University mailto:Turnerpa@wssu.edu

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VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least sixty 60 days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days, or if extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this RFP.

ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL

If your proposal is accepted, all provisions of this RFP, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between the parties (“Contract”). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply. Depending upon the Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 20____, as indicated on

The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________.

(Authorized Representative of Winston Salem State University)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND ……………………………………………………… 6

1.1 CONTRACT TERM …………………………………………………………………………… 6

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION …………………………………………………………….. 6

2.1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT …………………………………………… 6

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE ……………………………………………………………………. 6

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFP TERMS AND CONDITIONS …. 6

2.4 RFP SCHEDULE ……………………………………………………………………………….. 7

2.5 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE ………………………………………………………… 7

2.6 PROPOSAL QUESTIONS ………………………………………………………………….. 8

2.7 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL AND OPENING ………………………………………….. 8

2.8 PROPOSAL CONTENTS ……………………………………………………………………. 9

2.9 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS …………………………………………………………………. 9

2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS …………………………… 9

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS …….. 9

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD ……………………………………………………………………… 9

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING

EVALUATION …………………………………………………………………………………..

3.3 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS …………………………………………………. 10

3.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA …………………………………………………………………… 11

3.5 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES ………………………………. 11

3.6 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES …………………………………… 12

4.0 REQUIREMENTS ………………………………………………………………………….. 12

4.1 PRICING …………………………………………………………………………………………. 12

4.2 INVOICES ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

4.3 FINANCIAL STABILITY ……………………………………………………………………… 12

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4.4 REFERENCES ………….………………………………………………………………………. 13

4.5 BACKGROUND CHECKS ………………………………………………………………….. 13

4.6 PERSONNEL …………………………………………………………………………………… 13

4.7 VENDOR’S REPRESENATIONS …………..……………………………………………. 13

4.8 QUESTIONS TO VENDORS …………..…………………………………………………. 13

4.9 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION ..………………… 15

4.10 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS ……………………………………………………….. 15

4.11 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS ………….. 15

4.12 SUBCONTRACTORS …………………………………………………..…………………… 15

4.13 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION .…………………………………………… 15

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ………………………………………………………….. 15

5.1 TASKS/DELIVERABLES …………………………………………………………………….. 16

5.2 PROJECT ORGANIZATION ………………………………………………………………. 17

5.3 TECHNICAL APPROACH ..………………………………………………………………… 17

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION ……………………………………………………… 17

6.1 CONTRACT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE …………………………… 17

6.2 INVOICES ………………………………………………………………………………….……. 17

6.3 POST AWARD BUSINESS REVIEW .………………………………………………….. 17

6.4 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT …………..………………………………………….. 18

6.5 PERIODIC MONTHLY REPORTS ………………………………………………………. 18

6.6 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK .……………………………………………………………….. 18

6.7 FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE …..…………………………………………………………. 18

6.8 TRANSITION ASSISTANCE ……….……………………………………………………… 18

6.9 DISPUTE RESOLUTION …………………………………………………………………… 19

6.10 CONTRACT CHANGES ..………………………………………………………………….. 19

7.0 ATTACHMENTS ……………………………………………………………………………. 20

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ATTACHMENT A: PRICING ………………………………………………………………………… 20

ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ………………………………………… 20

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS …….. 20

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION ……………… 20

ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM ……………………………………… 20

ATTACHMENT F: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ……………………. 20

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1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

Winston-Salem State University (‘WSSU’ or ‘University’) seeks an executive strategic marketing and communications advisor to serve as a trusted resource to the Chancellor and Cabinet. The awarded firm will provide executive leadership, strategic counsel, integrated marketing expertise, communication strategy, brand strategy, organizational development, and go-to-market execution to strengthen the University’s reputation, advance institutional priorities, and build long-term marketing and communications capability across the institution.

It is the vision that the awarded firm will provide a dedicated principal/managing partner to serve as the University’s sole point of contact and the individual responsible for project deliverables. Managing partner / principal may use assets to provide project deliverables, however the expectation is that the awarded firm will provide a managing partner as the sole point of coordination and interface. It is also the vision that managing partner / principal will be present on campus once a month for monthly deliverable progress meetings, otherwise work can be accomplished remotely.

The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Contract.

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of two years, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”). The Vendor shall begin work under the Contract after receiving a Purchase Order from WSSU.

At the end of the Contract’s initial term, the University shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions for up to three (3) additional one-year terms. The University will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise each option no later than sixty (60) days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term. In addition to any optional renewal terms, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the University reserves the right to extend the Contract after the last active term.

Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFP and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT

This RFP is comprised of the base RFP document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are incorporated herein by reference.

E-PROCUREMENT FEE

ATTENTION: The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.

General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.

NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFP TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFP and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Vendors are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFP.

If Vendors have questions or issues regarding any component of this RFP, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with the instructions in the PROPOSAL QUESTIONS Section. If the University determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an RFP addendum. The University may also elect http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

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Ver: 07/2026 7 to leave open the possibility for later negotiation of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contract award.

Other than through the process of negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the University rejects and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor’s proposal or otherwise. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s proposal that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the proposal non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s proposal shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open for the period required herein (“Validity Period” above).

The University may exercise its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this RFP Response, the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed upon through negotiation and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s proposal as nonresponsive.

RFP SCHEDULE

The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFP. The University will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.

Event Responsibility Date and Time Issue RFP University Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Hold Pre-Proposal Meeting/Site Visit University N/A Submit Written Questions Vendor Monday, October 12, 2026 to flemingrr@wssu.edu no later than 1:00pm EDT.

Provide Response to Questions University Thursday, October 15, 2026 as an Addendum posted to the eVP website.

Submit Proposals Vendor Tuesday, October 27, 2026, uploaded to the eVP website no later than 1:00pm EDT.

Bid Opening University Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 3:00pm EDT via

Zoom.

Contract Award University Monday, November 2, 2026

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE (NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS RFP)

PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

Upon review of the RFP documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the RFP in order to submit the best proposal possible. To accommodate the Proposal Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the “Submit Written Questions” date and time provided in the RFP SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.

Written questions shall be emailed to flemingrr@wssu.edu no later than 1:00pm on Monday, October 12, 2026. Vendors should enter “RFP #74-WS0041-2026: Questions” as the Subject for the email. Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable RFP section and be submitted in the format shown below:

Reference Vendor Question

RFP Section, Page Number Vendor question …?

Questions received prior to the submission deadline date, the University’s response, and any additional terms deemed necessary by the University will be posted in the form of an addendum to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov, and shall become an Addendum to this RFP. No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any University personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this RFP, shall be considered authoritative or binding.

Vendors shall rely only on written material contained in the RFP and an addendum to this RFP.

https://evp.nc.gov/

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PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL AND OPENING

SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late bids, regardless of cause, will not be opened or considered, and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. Vendor shall bear the sole risk of late submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure its proposal has been received as described in this RFP by the specified time and date of opening. The time and date of receipt will be marked on each proposal when received. Any proposal or portion thereof received after the proposal deadline will be rejected.

North Carolina eVP Portal

All proposal responses shall be submitted electronically via the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). Additional information can be found at the eVP updates for Vendors link: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/news-events/evp-updates-vendors. The deadline to have all proposals uploaded/submitted via the eVP portal is no later than 1:00pm EDT on Thursday, October 27, 2026. All potential bidders are hereby cautioned that the eVP portal closes for the uploading of proposals at exactly 1:00pm, no exceptions.

If confidential and proprietary information is included in the proposal, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the proposal.

Such information may include trade secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-152 and other information exempted from the Public Records Act pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §132- 1.2. Vendor may designate information, Products, Services or appropriate portions of its response as confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the statutes and rules set forth above. By so redacting any page, or portion of a page, the Vendor warrants that it has formed a good faith opinion, having received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisors, that the portions determined to be confidential and proprietary and redacted as such, meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. However, under no circumstances shall price information be designated as confidential.

If the Vendor does not provide a redacted version of the proposal with its proposal submission, the Department may release an unredacted version if a record request is received.

Failure to submit a proposal in strict accordance with these instructions shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s proposal(s). Vendors are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to upload proposals.

Critical updated information may be included in Addenda to this RFP. It is important that all Vendors responding to this RFP periodically check the State’s eVP website for any Addenda that may be issued prior to the bid opening date. All Vendors shall be deemed to have read and understood all information in this RFP and all Addenda thereto.

OPENING

The opening of all submitted proposals will take place via Zoom at 3:00pm EDT on Thursday, October 27, 2026. Information associated with the opening of the submitted proposals is provided below.

Join Zoom Meeting https://wssu.zoom.us/j/95974196827?pwd=053zqO2haRMHZsCqacwR1YVbQbPocV.1

Meeting ID: 959 7419 6827 Passcode: 056289

One tap mobile +19292056099,,95974196827#,,,,*056289# US (New York) +13017158592,,95974196827#,,,,*056289# US (Washington DC) https://wssu.zoom.us/j/95974196827?pwd=053zqO2haRMHZsCqacwR1YVbQbPocV.1

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Join by SIP

• 95974196827@zoomcrc.com Passcode: 056289

Join instructions https://wssu.zoom.us/meetings/95974196827/invitations?signature=gv1p3k-wf8gvvyE-qvaU449FeVTxHL8Pq1-BjpldjdQ

PROPOSAL CONTENTS

Vendors shall populate all attachments of this RFP that require the Vendor to provide information and include an authorized signature where requested. Failure to provide all required items, or Vendor’s submission of incomplete items, may result in the University rejecting Vendor’s proposal, in the University’s sole discretion.

Vendor RFP responses shall include the following items and attachments, which shall be arranged in the following order:

a) Cover Letter, which must contain the following: (i) a statement that confirms that the proposer has read the RFP in its entirety, including all links, and all Addenda released in conjunction with the RFP, (ii) a statement that the Vendor agrees to perform in accordance with the scope of work, requirements, and specifications contained herein; and (iii) Vendor’s agreement to comply with all instructions, terms and conditions, and attachments.

b) Title Page: Include the company name, address, phone number and authorized representative along with the Proposal Number.

c) Completed and signed version of all EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the RFP.

d) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this RFP, if required to be returned.

e) Vendor’s Proposal addressing all Specifications of this RFP. [Indicate relative section references as a guide to responding to sections requiring additional responses outside of the solicitation document. If not required, delete.]

f) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

g) Completed version of ATTACHMENT D: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

h) Completed version of ATTACHMENT E: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

i) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT F: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Unless provided otherwise in this RFP, Vendor may submit alternate proposals for comparable Goods, various methods or levels of Service(s), or that propose different options. Alternate proposals must specifically identify the RFP requirements and advantage(s) addressed by the alternate proposal. Any alternate proposal, in addition to the marking described above, must be clearly marked with the legend: “Alternate Proposal #___ [for ‘name of Vendor’]”. Each proposal must be for a specific set of Goods and Services and must include specific pricing. If a Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, each must be offered with a separate price and be contained in a separate proposal document. Each proposal must be complete and independent of other proposals offered.

2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this RFP are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors found below which are incorporated herein by this reference.

The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are also relevant to this RFP:

eVP – the State of North Carolina Department of Administration Electronic Vendor Portal, used to solicit and acquire proposals.

Principal / Managing Partner – Person of firm/company serving as Owner, Co-Owner, Chief Executive Officer, etc.

mailto:95974196827@zoomcrc.com https://wssu.zoom.us/meetings/95974196827/invitations?signature=gv1p3k-wf8gvvyE-qvaU449FeVTxHL8Pq1-BjpldjdQ

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3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the University shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all award decisions shall be in the University’s best interest. All qualified proposals will be evaluated, and awards will be made to the Vendor(s) meeting the specific RFP Specifications and achieving the highest and best final evaluation, based on the criteria described below.

While the intent of this RFP is to award a Contract(s) to a single company/firm, the University reserves the right to make separate awards to different companies/firms for one or more line items, to not award one or more line items or to cancel this RFP in its entirety without awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the University to do so.

The University reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in proposals received.

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this RFP is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See Paragraph 29 of the Instructions to Vendors entitled

COMMUNICTIONS BY VENDORS.

Each Vendor submitting a proposal to this RFP, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government agency office or body (including the procurement lead named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the General Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s proposal or qualifications, the content of another Vendor’s proposal, another Vendor’s qualifications or ability to perform a resulting contract, and/or the transmittal of any other communication of information that could be reasonably considered to have the effect of directly or indirectly influencing the evaluation of proposals, the award of a contract, or both.

Any Vendor not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified from evaluation and award. A Vendor’s proposal may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the procurement is active (i.e., the issuance date of the procurement until the date of contract award or cancellation of the procurement). Only those discussions, communications or transmittals of information authorized or initiated by the issuing agency for this RFP or inquiries directed to the procurement lead named in this RFP regarding requirements of the RFP (prior to proposal submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

3.3 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS

Only responsive submissions will be evaluated.

The University will conduct a One-Step evaluation of Proposals:

Proposals will be received according to the method stated in the Proposal Submittal Section above.

All proposals must be received by the issuing agency not later than the date and time specified in the RFP SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum. Vendors are cautioned that this is a request for offers, not an offer or request to contract, and the University reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers at any time if such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the University.

At the date and time provided in the RFP SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum, the proposal from each responding Vendor will be opened publicly and all offers (except those that have been previously withdrawn, or voided bids) will be tabulated. The tabulation shall be made public at the time it is created. When negotiations after receipt of bids are authorized pursuant to G.S. 143-49 and 01 NCAC 05B.0503, only the names of offerors and the Goods and Services offered

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Ver: 07/2026 11 shall be tabulated at the time of opening. If negotiation is anticipated, cost and price shall become available for public inspection at the time of the award. Interested parties are cautioned that these costs and their components are subject to further evaluation for completeness and correctness and therefore may not be an exact indicator of a Vendor’s pricing position.

At their option, the evaluators may request oral presentations or discussions with any or all Vendors for clarification or to amplify the materials presented in any part of the proposal. Vendors are cautioned, however, that the evaluators are not required to request presentations or other clarification—and often do not. Therefore, all proposals should be complete and reflect the most favorable terms available from the Vendor.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the University will make award(s) based on the evaluation and post the award(s) to the State’s eVP website under the RFP number for this solicitation. Award of a Contract to one Vendor does not mean that the other proposals lacked merit, but that, all factors considered, the selected proposal was deemed most advantageous and represented the best value to the University.

The University reserves the right to negotiate with one or more vendors, or to reject all original offers and negotiate with one or more sources of supply that may be capable of satisfying the requirement, and in either case to require Vendor to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) based on discussions and negotiations with the University.

3.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

EVALUTION METHOD: Narrative and by consensus of the evaluating committee, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal and why the recommended awardee(s) provide the best value to the University.

All qualified proposals will be evaluated, and award made based on considering the following criteria listed in descending order of importance, to result in an award most advantageous to the University:

1. Vendor Technical Approach (e.g. how does the company/firm approach any presented project, see Section 4.8)

2. Vendor Qualifications

3. Vendor Experience

4. References

5. Pricing

6. Quality and comprehensiveness of responses to questions in section 4.8

3.5 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT E: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR. In addition to any other evaluation criteria identified in this RFP, the University may also consider, for purposes of evaluating proposed or actual contract performance outside of the United States, how that performance may affect the following factors to ensure that any award will be in the best interest of the University:

a) Total cost to the University

b) Level of quality provided by the Vendor

c) Process and performance capability across multiple jurisdictions

d) Protection of the University’s information and intellectual property

e) Availability of pertinent skills

f) Ability to understand the University’s business requirements and internal operational culture

g) Particular risk factors such as the security of the University’s information technology

h) Relations with citizens and employees

i) Contract enforcement jurisdictional issues

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3.6 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This RFP serves two functions: (1) to advise potential Vendors of the parameters of the solution being sought by the University;

and (2) to provide (together with other specified documents) the terms of the Contract resulting from this procurement. The use of phrases such as “shall,” “must,” and “requirements” are intended to create enforceable contract conditions. In determining whether proposals should be evaluated or rejected, the University will take into consideration the degree to which Vendors have proposed or failed to propose solutions that will satisfy the University’s needs as described in the RFP. Except as specifically stated in the RFP, no one requirement shall automatically disqualify a Vendor from consideration. However, failure to comply with any single requirement may result in the University exercising its discretion to reject a proposal in its entirety.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this RFP. By submitting a proposal, the Vendor agrees to meet all stated requirements in this Section as well as any other specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions stated in this RFP. If a Vendor is unclear about a requirement or specification, or believes a change to a requirement would allow for the University to receive a better proposal, the Vendor is urged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question-and-answer period in accordance with the Proposal Questions Section above.

4.1 PRICING

Proposal price shall constitute the total cost to the University for complete performance in accordance with the requirements and specifications herein, including all applicable charges for handling, transportation, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and include in Vendor’s proposal. The pricing provided in ATTACHMENT A, or resulting from any negotiations, is incorporated herein and shall become part of any resulting Contract.

INVOICES MAY NOT BE PAID UNTIL AN INSPECTION HAS OCCURRED AND THE GOODS OR SERVICES ACCEPTED.

4.1.1 Import Tariff Temporary Surcharge

Pricing shall be exclusive of any pending tariffs or temporary tariff surcharge. Vendor may request a temporary tariff surcharge in ATTACHMENT A: PRICING SUBMITTAL WORKBOOK as a charge separate from the contract price. Any temporary tariff surcharge(s) associated with purchases shall be provided by way of a percentage tariff surcharge. All tariff surcharges proposed are intended to be temporary and based on current tariff implications specific to related commodities with evidence of submitted documentation of affected MSRP products. Vendor understands that the agency may request additional justification. Any temporary tariff surcharge percentage will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon. The University is not obligated to accept any proposed import tariff surcharge. Proposed tariff surcharges may be used as a factor for evaluation and award.

4.2 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Each Vendor shall certify it is financially stable by completing ATTACHMENT F: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The University is requiring this certification to minimize potential issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable.

From the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the University within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification. The Contract Manager may require annual recertification of the Vendor’s financial stability.

4.3 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

In its Proposal, Vendor shall demonstrate experience with public and/or private sector clients with similar or greater size and complexity to the University. Vendor shall provide information as to the qualifications and experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel to be assigned to this project, including resumes citing experience with similar projects and the responsibilities to be assigned to each person.

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4.4 REFERENCES

Vendor shall provide at least three (3) references, using ATTACHMENT D: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which it has provided Services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. References shall not be from the same company or from the soliciting State entity. . In addition, Vendor shall provide references for and identify other government contracts it has received, for which your company has provided services of similar size and scope. The University may contact these users to determine whether the Services provided are substantially similar in scope to those proposed herein and whether Vendor’s performance has been satisfactory. The information obtained may be considered in the evaluation of the Proposal.

4.5 BACKGROUND CHECKS – (NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS RFP)

4.6 PERSONNEL

Vendor warrants that qualified personnel shall provide Services under this Contract in a professional manner. “Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry. Vendor will serve as the prime contractor under this Contract and shall be responsible for the performance and payment of all subcontractor(s) that may be approved by the University. Names of any third-party Vendors or subcontractors of Vendor may appear for purposes of convenience in Contract documents; and shall not limit Vendor’s obligations hereunder. Vendor will retain executive representation for functional and technical expertise as needed in order to incorporate any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s proposal result in an award, the Vendor shall be required to agree that it will not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of the Contract without prior written approval by the Contract Lead. Vendor shall further agree that it will notify the Contract Lead of any desired substitution, including the name(s) and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The University will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The University may, in its sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the University may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

4.7 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s Proposal results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter any agreement with a third party that may abridge any rights of the University under the Contract. If any Services, deliverables, functions, or responsibilities not specifically described in this solicitation are required for Vendor’s proper performance, provision and delivery of the Service and deliverables under a resulting Contract, or are an inherent part of or necessary sub-task included within such Service, they will be deemed to be implied by and included within the scope of the Contract to the same extent and in the same manner as if specifically described in the Contract. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Vendor will furnish all of its own necessary management, supervision, labor, facilities, furniture, computer and telecommunications equipment, software, supplies and materials necessary for the Vendor to provide and deliver the Services and/or other Deliverables.

4.8 QUESTIONS TO VENDORS

Vendor shall respond to each of the following questions. Vendors are requested to keep responses concise and relevant and should not include generic marketing materials. Responses will be reviewed as part of the evaluation process.

• Expected minimum professional qualifications and experience of the managing partner / principal assigned to the project are as follows:

· Does the company / firm have a minimum of 15 to 20 years’ worth of Executive Leadership experience in Strategic Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Brand Management, Go-To- Market Execution or related Executive Advisory services? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the company / firm have experience in Brand Strategy, Integrated Marketing and Communications for large, complex, matrixed, and multi-stakeholder organizations of comparable scale and complexity? YES☐

NO☐

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· Does the company / firm have experience in Strategic Planning, Executive Communications, Brand Management, Organizational Transformation, Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Social Media Management, and Reputation Management? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the company / firm have more than 10 years of experience serving as a trusted advisor to Presidents, Chancellors, CEO’s, or Cabinet-level leadership? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the company / firm have experience coaching Senior Executives and developing high-performing Marketing and Communications organizations? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the company / firm have experience working within Higher Education? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the company / firm have secondary experience in nonprofit, corporate, global or similarly matrixed organizations? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the company / firm have experience and success in managing, training, and developing a department or organization of 30 or more employees? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the company / firm have Budget Management proficiency for $10M or above? YES☐ NO☐

· Does the person who will be WSSU’s main point of contact have a Master’s degree? YES☐ NO☐

On a separate sheet of paper positioned in the response between the body of the RFP and any required addenda, please provide answers to the following questions and/or requests.

· Managing Principal: Describe the qualifications and relevant experience of the managing principal assigned to WSSU and how they meet the RFP requirements.

· Executive Advisory: Describe comparable experience serving as a strategic advisor to a university president/chancellor, CEO, Cabinet, or executive leadership team and the outcomes achieved.

· Strategic Planning: Provide an example of translating an institutional or enterprise strategic plan into priorities, communications, organizational alignment, and measurable implementation.

· Integrated Marketing: Describe experience integrating marketing and communications across a complex organization, including functions such as enrollment, academics, athletics, advancement, and executive communications.

· Executive Communications: Provide an example of developing an executive communications and reputation strategy for a president/chancellor, CEO, or senior executive and the results achieved.

· Crisis & Issues Management: Describe a significant crisis or high-risk issue personally led by the managing principal, including executive counsel, stakeholder/media strategy, and outcomes.

· Technical Approach – Please document the steps taken when given a new project or assignment.

· Brand Strategy: Provide an example of leading enterprise brand strategy, transformation, or governance across multiple organizational units or sub-brands.

· Organizational Leadership: Describe experience assessing and strengthening a marketing and communications organization, including coaching, recruiting, onboarding, or transitioning senior marketing leadership.

· Measurement: Describe your approach to establishing KPIs or executive dashboards to measure marketing, communications, brand/reputation, and organizational effectiveness.

· WSSU Approach: Describe your proposed first 90-day approach to establishing executive relationships, assessing priorities, integrating with IMC leadership, and defining governance and measures of success.

4.9 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction

Each Company / Firm shall certify it is financially stable by completing the ATTACHMENT F: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The University is requiring this certification to minimize potential performance issues from Contracting with a Vendor

74-WS0041-2026: Strategic Communications & Integrated Marketing Advisor Services Vendor: __________________________

Ver: 07/2026 15 that is financially unstable. This Certification shall be deemed continuing, and from the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the University within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification.

4.10 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

A. Default Insurance Coverage from the General Terms and Conditions applicable to this Solicitation:

☐ Small Purchases

☐ Contract value in excess of the Small Purchase threshold, but up to $1,000,000.00

☒ Contract value in excess of $1,000,000.00

4.11 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS – (DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS RFP)

4.12 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the University. In the event that the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and experience of their proposed subcontractors. The Vendor shall, however, remain solely and fully liable and responsible for the work done by its subcontractor(s) and shall assure compliance with all the requirements and specifications of the contract.

4.13 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

Prior to entering into a contract with the University, the awarded Vendor(s) must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State. Upon notification of award, the selected Vendor(s) must furnish evidence of filing within 10 business days. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the disqualification of the Vendor(s) bid from further consideration for the award. No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

A contract award under the above-referenced solicitation, and the resulting purchase orders, will produce repeated orders and transactions in North Carolina and will constitute “transacting business” in the State of North Carolina, which requires a certificate of authority from the North Carolina Secretary of State as provided in G.S. §55-15-01 (corporations) or §57D-7-01 (LLCs). Please go to: https://www.sosnc.gov/ to register.

Vendor registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State: Yes☐ No ☐

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

The selected firm will provide executive-level advisory services in the following areas:

Executive Strategy & Strategic Planning

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Chancellor and Cabinet on executive strategy and strategic planning.

• Facilitate strategic planning, implementation, and communication of institutional priorities.

• Provide executive counsel to support organizational decision-making, change management, and cross-functional alignment.

• Advise on current and/or future enterprise initiatives that advance the University's Strategic Plan through

2030.

Executive Communications & Reputation Management https://www.sosnc.gov/

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• Develop both internal and external executive communications strategies and messaging for the Chancellor and senior leadership.

• Provide both internal and external strategic counsel for stakeholder engagement, public affairs, and executive visibility.

• Lead issues management, crisis communications planning, media relations strategy, and executive media training for internal stakeholders.

• Protect and strengthen the University's reputation through proactive communications planning.

Enterprise Marketing, Brand & Communications

• Lead or support enterprise marketing strategy across the University, including Enrollment, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, Advancement, Foundation, and other institutional priorities.

• Ensure integrated marketing planning, brand consistency, and alignment across schools, colleges, and administrative units.

• Serve as the University's strategic brand steward, providing oversight for brand positioning, messaging, visual identity, and institutional reputation.

Organizational Leadership & Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC) Development

• Assess and strengthen the departmental/operational/functional effectiveness of the Integrated Marketing & Communications (IMC) organization.

• Recommend organizational structure, governance, operational improvements, and performance measures.

• Provide executive coaching, leadership development, and mentorship for marketing and communications leadership.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, transition, and ongoing coaching for the Chief Marketing Officer or equivalent executive leadership position.

Governance & Performance

• Develop institutional frameworks, decision-making structures, and operating processes (governance models) that strengthen…