Addendum 1 RFP 18DSL0093.doc

Procurement Department

Addendum 1 Response to Bid questions. Questions are in BLACK; UB responses are in BLUE.

1. We have an RFP scope clarification question with regard to messaging content. Concerning the campaigns noted in 2.2 (copied below for convenience), is the University of Buffalo seeking to have the message content created word for word with associated media channels/methods, or are you seeking recommendations regarding the tone, intent, and type of message, but actual content creation (exact words, videos, etc.) is handled by appropriate University of Buffalo communications staff?

We will meet with the vendor and provide “on-boarding” about UB’s brand and guidelines, our current pieces, themes, etc. The vendor is to create all content and then have us simply review. This includes all emails, print pieces, letters, etc.

2. Are there specific goals that University at Buffalo aims to achieve as a result of this project in terms of class size and shaping objectives? Do you have specific targets for enrollment growth, student diversity, or academic quality?

We aim to enroll 4,150 students with an equal gender balance (50/50), increase SAT profile to 1270, and increase diversity of URM students.

3. Can you please share any details about current and desired search criteria and name buy volumes, specifically:

· How many names are you currently buying as Sophomores, as Juniors, and as Seniors?

280,000 total names: 60,000 seniors, 190,000 juniors, 30,000 sophomores.

· What are your desired academic parameters for name purchases?

Parameters differ per market – overall range is SAT 1080-1600 with a GPA of A, B, or no response.

· Which list sources do you currently purchase from?

SAT, ACT, NRCCUA

· How many students are in your Fall 2019 inquiry pool (i.e. responded to search, campus visit, college fair, etc.)?

51,542 inquiries, with a goal to be at 60,000 at the end of the admissions cycle.

· Are there specific markets that University at Buffalo is looking to penetrate? Are you looking to expand your reach nationally?

Primary markets: NY 02 (Erie County), NY 04 (Rochester/Monroe), NY 22-30 (Metro, Rockland/Westchester, and Long Island).

Secondary markets: the rest of NYS.

Developing OOS markets: NJ, PA, OH, FL, MD, DC, CA, and IL.

4. You mention purchasing names of Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—to confirm, within the scope of this RFP is University at Buffalo looking to search students for each year and include a fulfillment campaign for all three years as well?

Within the scope of the RFP and the respective campaign, it is the expectation of UB, that the selected consultant would be responsible to move the student from prospect to inquiry. Once the student becomes an inquiry, they are folded into our communication stream.

· If yes, for Seniors, are you looking to drive students to apply via the Coalition Application, Common Application, SUNY application, or another application source?

No. However applicants may apply via the SUNY, Common or Coalition applications.

5. The RFP document includes mention of a desire to use predictive analytics to support targeting and name purchases—within the scope of this RFP are you looking for predictive analytics at any other stage in the funnel (inquiry to applicant, applicant to admit, admit to enroll?

We are focused on using predictive analytics to assist with our initial name buy to drive the number of inquiries that will ultimately impact application numbers.

6. Is there a budget for the scope of services requested in this RFP that University at Buffalo can share?

The University is not providing a budget for this procurement.

7. Please clarify the scope of services University at Buffalo expects for the following:

· University enrollment projections of a similar scope (3.1.2) Evidence that vendor has built analytical models, purchased inquiries, and communicated with inquiries for an institution of our size, including inquiry and enrollment goals with successful outcomes.

· Management consultation services (3.2.1)

Evidence that vendor can provide analysis and recommendations based on current trends, projected demographic shifts, best practices and vendor’s findings.

· Admissions Recruitment Process (3.2.2) Evidence, recommendations or suggestions for successfully developing new recruitment markets.

8. One of the forms listed as required for this solicitation is “New York State Apparel Workers Fair Labor Conditions and Procurement Act Compliance,” however, we do not note any mention of apparel production in the solicitation document and we do not intend to produce apparel. Would you still like us to complete the form?

This form is not required to be completed.

9. Please specify the volume of search names the University seeks to purchase, broken out by grad year.

280,000 total names with a fall start: 60,000 seniors, 190,000 juniors, 30,000 sophomores.

10. Does the University seek a specific number of campaign launches per year? If so, please specify.

Yes, 1 senior launch and 3 junior/sophomore launches.

11. What is the University’s launch timeline?

Senior launch – early to mid-fall.

Junior/sophomore launches – late fall, mid-winter, mid-spring.

12. Does the University have specific segmentation in mind for creative pieces? If so, please specify.

Yes, in-state and out-of-state messaging.

13. Section 2.2 Implementation of Search and Fulfillment Campaigns and Section 6 Pricing Page: Is the University seeking inquiry fulfillment via email and print? Or just via email?

Both electronic (email and potential text messaging) and print.

· The Pricing Page of the RFP requests offerors to provide “fulfillment cost for print piece.” Is this seeking the cost for the offeror to fulfill the print piece for outreach, or is it asking for the cost of a fulfillment print piece?

To create and mail the print piece.

14. Are offerors able to submit two pricing options, based on the inclusion of optional services requested in Section 2.2?

No, only one pricing section is to be submitted.

· If so, should offerors complete the pricing form on page 24 twice—one for each pricing option?

See above. If you are able to include the options, they must be included in your overall cost; the availability of the options will considered as part of your technical evaluation.

End of document.

ADDENDUM # 1

Request for Proposal 18DSL0093

Enhanced Search Strategies

Issued: 2/26/19

Crofts Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-7013

Tel: (716) 645-2676 Fax: (716) 645-2687 Web: www.ubbusiness.buffalo.edu