AHEC-27900-D_MSU Denver DIGITAL ADVERTISING SERVICES_FY27_FINAL.pdf

AHEC-27900-D

Updated 2020

1BAURARIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

0BDOCUMENTED QUOTE COVER SHEET

Date: July 27, 2026 Quote Number: AHEC-27900-D

Return all Quotes to:

Auraria Higher Education Center, Procurement Services See Section 1.6

Purchasing Agent: Stacy L. Tino, NIGP-

CPP, CPPB

Quote Due Date: August 10, 2026 Quote Due Time: 2:00 pm Mountain Time

All Quotes Shall be Quoted F.O.B. Destination Unless Otherwise Specified

METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC DIGITAL ADVERTISING

Per the attached specifications, terms and conditions

F.E.I.N.: Payment Terms:

(Minimum of Net 45) Delivery Date:

Authorized Signature:

Typed/Printed Name:

Title:

Company Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone Number: Fax Number:

Contact for Clarifications:

Title:

Phone Number: Email Address:

The purpose of this coversheet is to fully identify respondents so they may be considered, to quickly identify the costs and billing terms, and to provide basic information applicable to all solicitations. Submissions must contain: this coversheet (completed and signed), cost pages(s), supporting descriptive/technical literature for substitutes where applicable, and any other enclosures requested in or relevant to this solicitation. In submitting an offer, you are acknowledging acceptance of the related documents.

Vendor note: Emailed quotes are acceptable as long as they are received by the DATE/TIME due. Vendors are urged to read the solicitation document thoroughly before submitting a quote.

Vendors are required to submit Federal Employer Identification Number (F.E.I.N.).

THIS PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH RESPONSE.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 ColoradoVSS and BidNet Registration

The State of Colorado has transitioned to a financial management system called the Colorado Operations Resource Engine (CORE). All solicitations issued by the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) either on its behalf, or on behalf of the Institutions we serve, will be posted on the following websites:

ColoradoVSS: https://prd.co.cgiadvantage.com/PRDVSS1X1/Advantage4 and the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (aka BidNet): https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado

Solicitation details for goods and services, as well as construction notices on ColoradoVSS and BidNet, are public. Registration is not required for ColoradoVSS; however, registration for BidNet is required and there is no cost unless the “push” notification option is selected.

During the solicitation process, all official communication with vendors will be via notices on ColoradoVSS and BidNet. Notices may include any modifications to administrative or performance requirements, answers to inquires received, clarifications to requirements, and the announcement of the apparent winning vendor. It is incumbent upon vendors to carefully and regularly monitor ColoradoVSS or BidNet for any such notices.

1.2 Scope

It is the intent of the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) Procurement Services Office to receive quotes on behalf of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s University and Communication and Marketing Office for vendor(s) to assist programs with the research of program competitors, development of brand and program-specific messaging and creative, delivering marketing campaigns across digital channels only with tracking and optimization opportunities, and reporting on program-specific campaign performance.

1.3 Costs

Quoted costs must remain firm for 90 days from quote due date.

1.4 Term of the Contract

The contract/purchase order awarded will be for a term of one year. The initial award period will be from Purchase Order issuance through 6/30/2027. If MSU Denver requires these same services after that time, the agreement may be extended for up to an additional two (2) years in one-year increments for a total term not to exceed three (3) years. MSU Denver reserves the right to cancel agreement at any time without cause, upon written notice given thirty (30) days in advance. MSU Denver will give written documentation to the contractor as to the reason for cancellation. Authorized services performed for MSU Denver will be paid for through the cancellation date.

1.5 Number of Awards

AHEC intends to award a contract to up to two (2) vendors capable of fulfilling the anticipated volume needs for Metropolitan State University of Denver University Communications and Marketing Office; however, should AHEC determine at any time during the term of the resulting contract that the awarded vendor is not adequate to properly fill these needs, AHEC reserves the https://prd.co.cgiadvantage.com/PRDVSS1X1/Advantage4 https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado right to make awards to vendors who submitted responses to the original solicitation but were not awarded, or to re-issue the solicitation and make additional awards as necessary.

1.6 Solicitation Submission and Questions

The quote, including cover page complete with signature, must be received via email, or submitted electronically via BidNet, no later than the quote due date and time specified on the coversheet of this solicitation. Emailed responses are acceptable – email to: stacy.tino@ahec.edu or submit electronically through BidNet.

Vendor assumes full responsibility for any costs related to this solicitation including express delivery, parcel post, packing, cartage, insurance, license fee permits or cost of bonds.

All questions regarding this solicitation must be emailed to ken.kasparek@ahec.edu. No questions will be accepted after: August 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm Mountain Time. Answers will be posted as an addendum to this Documented Quote on ColoradoVSS and BidNet by August 6, 2026 at 5:00PM Mountain Time (if necessary).

1.7 Cost and Award Information

Vendors shall submit their cost information as specified within this Documented Quote. All cost information shall be provided according to the instructions in this solicitation.

Cost must remain firm for the first 12 months of the award. Any unique changes or modifications to the contract will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis ONLY, with final determination made by MSU Denver.

AHEC reserves the right to reject all quotes and re-solicit at any time prior to contract start date.

AHEC reserves the right to cancel this solicitation in its entirety at any time without penalty. All prices and notations shall be printed in ink or type written on the solicitation documents. Illegible quotes or writing may be deemed non-responsive and may not be evaluated. A quote with missing, or inconsistent information may be considered non-responsive and may not be evaluated. Do not qualify your quote nor alter the solicitation format. AHEC will be the sole judge in determining the acceptability of an offer. AHEC also reserves the right to reject any or all quotes in part, or in whole, and to waive technicalities as allowed in the Procurement Rules.

AHEC reserves the right to make multiple awards from this solicitation if in the best interest of Metropolitan State University of Denver University Communications and Marketing Office.

1.8 Performance

Awarded vendor shall comply with the requirements as to performance, timeframes, etc. If the winning vendor fails to perform, AHEC reserves the right to take remedial action, including canceling the contract (with 30 days’ written notice) for cause (default). Cause is defined as failure to meet requirements of the written specifications and conditions or correct deficiencies upon receipt of notice. Failure to maintain satisfactory performance after notice will be sufficient cause for immediate cancellation of the award. In the event of default, AHEC may make an award to another vendor in the competitive range, or re-solicit at its discretion.

Invoices for services shall be submitted to the ordering department for authorization to pay. Order department addresses must be taken from the purchase order.

Vendors guarantee to AHEC and MSU Denver that they understand and agree to the terms and conditions of the solicitation; guarantee a continuing supply and consistent quality of the service offered; and that they will not default from performance by virtue of a mistake or misunderstanding.

mailto:stacy.tino@ahec.edu mailto:ken.kasparek@ahec.edu

1.9 Responsibility of Vendor

Vendors must be able to demonstrate their ability to perform according to the terms of this solicitation. AHEC may require additional information of the apparent successful vendor to determine their ability to perform. This information may include, but is not limited to, previous experience of company; years in business; quality and condition of equipment; financial condition;

references as to size and scope of work done in the past. AHEC reserves the right to make its vendor responsibility determination at any time in this solicitation process and may not make a responsibility determination for every vendor.

AHEC reserves the right to request further information as it deems necessary to determine the vendor’s responsibility. If the vendor fails to supply the requested information, AHEC shall base the determination of responsibility upon any available information, or may find the vendor non-responsible.

1.10 Sex Offender Registration Information Requirements

Auraria Higher Education Center is a State of Colorado Higher Education Campus. Awarded vendor(s) must comply with the following laws in order to have employees on a State of Colorado Campus:

Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 16-22-103, et seq.

Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 668.46 Jeanne Clery Act 20 USC 1092 (f)

1.11 Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)

MSU Denver is a Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) affiliated employer.

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, MSU Denver is requiring the vendor to notify MSU Denver’s Accounting Office at accountspayable@msudenver.edu within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of resulting contract or purchase order if the services provided are being or are to be performed by a PERA retiree.

1.12 Cooperative Purchasing

Successful vendor(s) shall make available to other Colorado State agencies or political subdivisions (“Participating Entity”) any and all items specified herein at the contract prices established herein. If a Participating Entity exercises this option, it shall be understood and agreed that such an arrangement does not bind either the Participating Entity or the successful vendor(s) to the terms, conditions or prevailing awards generated through this DQ; nor does it preclude any Participating Entity from pursuing a purchase or purchases through their own contracting methods with another vendor.

It shall be further understood and agreed that MSU Denver is not a legally binding party to any contractual agreement made between a Participating Entity and the successful vendor(s) as a result of this DQ. Each Participating Entity which determines to enter into a contractual arrangement with the successful vendor(s) shall establish its own contract, place its own orders, issue its own purchase orders, be invoiced separately and make its own payments, and issue its own tax exemption certificates as required by the successful vendor(s).

mailto:accountspayable@msudenver.edu

II. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 Background

Metropolitan State University of Denver is Colorado’s student-centered, public University.

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, MSU Denver serves 18,000+ students, offering 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs, certificates, and credentials.

Our students—53% first-generation, 57% students of color—learn in small classes taught by expert faculty who connect coursework to real-world experience. Roadrunners gain access to internships, mentors, and pathways to rewarding careers with top Colorado employers, fueling the state’s economy while advancing their earning potential. With affordable tuition, flexible learning options, and wraparound support, MSU Denver delivers a proven return on investment: career-ready graduates 3/4ths who stay and make a long-term impact in Colorado.

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) supports institutional enrollment and awareness through integrated marketing strategies that include brand marketing, digital advertising, creative services, media planning, and analytics. In addition to institution-wide campaigns, UCM partners with academic colleges, schools, and departments to support program-specific recruitment efforts. The goal is to build six (6) total campaigns, one campaign for each school/college at MSU Denver. The schools/colleges are:

1. College of Business (CBUS),

2. School of Education (SOE),

3. College of Computing, Aerospace, Engineering and Design (CACED),

4. College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS),

5. School of Hospitality (SOH), and

6. College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (CLAS).

MSU Denver is seeking a qualified digital advertising vendor to provide strategic planning, creative development, campaign execution, optimization, and reporting for program-specific digital advertising campaigns designed to increase awareness, engagement, and prospective student inquiries.

2.2 Technical Environment

The selected vendor(s) will collaborate remotely with the advertising team that sits within MSU Denver's University Communications and Marketing team as well as program-specific marketing and communications employees. Campaigns will be executed using contractor-managed digital advertising platforms and technologies.

MSU Denver currently uses Google Analytics 4 (GA4), GTM, Data Studio as well as other institutional analytics tools to evaluate website performance (e.g., Slate CRM). Vendors should be capable of implementing campaign tracking methodologies, including UTM parameters and conversion tracking, and should provide reporting compatible with MSU Denver's analytics environment.

Vendor must coordinate with MSU Denver staff regarding website landing pages, tracking requirements, messaging, creative asset creation and delivery, and campaign performance.

2.3 Definitions

Program: An academic degree within a college or school, or other university initiative identified by MSU Denver for marketing support.

Campaign: A coordinated digital advertising effort developed to achieve defined marketing objectives for a specific program.

Digital Advertising: Paid media placements delivered through online channels only including, but not limited to:

• Google Ads

• Meta

• LinkedIn

• YouTube

• Display advertising

• Other approved digital advertising platforms

Traditional media (television, radio, print, outdoor, direct mail, etc.) are not included within the scope of this solicitation.

Creative Assets: Digital advertising materials including static display ads, social media ads, digital video, headlines, ad copy, calls-to-action, and related campaign messaging.

Reporting: Performance summaries containing thorough campaign metrics, insights, optimization recommendations, and return-on-investment indicators as agreed upon by MSU Denver.

2.4 Vendor Responsibilities

The selected vendor shall provide strategic, creative, and campaign management services for program-specific digital advertising efforts, including but not limited to:

Strategic Planning

• Conduct research on the assigned academic program.

• Analyze no more than four (4) competitive institutions and comparable academic programs.

• Recommend channel strategies aligned with campaign objectives.

Messaging and Creative Development

• Develop program-specific messaging consistent with MSU Denver brand standards and templates. All creative and messaging must align with MSU Denver brand standards.

• Create digital advertising concepts and creative assets suitable for approved digital platforms.

• Produce headlines, ad copy, imagery recommendations, display advertising, social advertising, and digital creative as needed.

• Revise creative based on MSU Denver feedback.

• All creative assets, ad copy, campaign materials, audience research, and reporting developed under this agreement shall become the property of MSU Denver upon payment.

Campaign Management

• Configure, launch, monitor, and manage digital advertising campaigns.

• Manage audience targeting, bidding strategies, placements, and budgets.

• Implement campaign tracking and conversion measurement.

• Continuously optimize campaigns based on performance.

Reporting and Analysis

Provide recurring campaign reports that may include:

• Impressions

• Reach

• Clicks

• Click-through rate

• Cost per click (if available)

• Cost per conversion (if available)

• Conversion volume (if available)

• Audience insights

• Optimization recommendations

• Overall campaign performance summary

Vendor shall actively monitor campaign performance and recommend adjustments to improve campaign effectiveness throughout the campaign period.

Project Management

• Assist in planning and participating in remote meetings and status updates.

• Maintain regular communication with MSU Denver throughout campaign execution.

• Notify MSU Denver of significant campaign issues, optimization opportunities, or budget concerns.

Data Access

Vendor shall provide MSU Denver with access to campaign performance data and reporting upon request. Campaign performance data generated under this contract shall be retained and made available to MSU Denver.

2.5 MSU Denver Responsibilities

MSU Denver will:

• Identify academic programs to participate in digital advertising campaigns.

• Establish campaign goals, priorities, and available budgets for individual campaigns.

• Identify target audiences and digital advertising opportunities.

• Provide existing photography, video clips, logos, brand guidelines, or creative assets.

Vendor may also be asked to develop original creative as part of individual campaign assignments.

• Coordinate communication with participating academic programs.

• Review and approve campaign messaging, creative assets, and update and monitor landing pages.

• Provide timely feedback necessary to maintain project schedules.

• Supply available institutional performance data when appropriate.

2.6 Task Schedule and Timeline

The anticipated contract timeline is as follows:

Milestone Estimated Timeline Vendor Selection August Kickoff Meetings September/October Campaign Planning & Creative Development September/October Initial Campaign Launches October/November Campaign Optimization Ongoing throughout campaign duration Performance Reporting Monthly during active campaigns Campaign Closeout Reports Within 30 days of campaign completion

Campaign schedules may vary based on program priorities and enrollment timelines.

2.7 Performance Location

All work under this agreement shall be performed remotely.

Campaign planning meetings, status meetings, creative reviews, and reporting sessions will be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams or other mutually agreed-upon video conferencing platforms.

No on-site presence is anticipated unless requested by MSU Denver.

2.8 Payment

Compensation shall be based on services authorized by MSU Denver under individual statements of work and purchase orders.

The vendor shall submit itemized invoices monthly for services performed during the billing period. Invoices should clearly identify:

• Campaign(s) supported

• Services provided

• Time period covered

• Applicable fees

• Approved media expenditures

2.9 Workflow of MSU Denver Advertising Campaigns

• Discovery & Research o Audience research o Competitor analysis o Channel recommendations

• Strategy & Creative o Messaging development o Creative concepts o Media plan

• Campaign Launch o Campaign setup o Tracking o QA o Launch

• Optimization o Weekly monitoring o Budget adjustments o Creative testing o Audience refinements

• Reporting o Monthly performance reports o Recommendations o Final campaign summary

III. QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Required Qualifications

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience developing and managing digital advertising campaigns.

• At least five (5) years of higher education marketing and student recruitment experience.

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing multi-channel digital advertising campaigns.

• Experience conducting audience, market, and competitor research to inform campaign strategy.

• Experience developing campaign messaging and digital creative.

• Experience managing advertising budgets and optimizing campaigns to improve performance.

• Experience measuring campaign performance using analytics platforms and conversion tracking.

• Ability to provide recurring performance reports and actionable recommendations.

• Ability to participate in virtual meetings and collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders.

• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding advertising, privacy, data security, and digital accessibility via WCAG 2 requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Marketing academic degree programs

• Marketing to traditional, transfer, adult, graduate, and online student populations

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

• Google Ads

• Meta Ads Manager

• LinkedIn Campaign Manager

• YouTube advertising

• Creative strategy and copywriting

• Conversion rate optimization

IV. DOCUMENTATION

Each quote should be no more than twelve (12) pages and include:

• Brief company overview and description of relevant minimum and preferred experience.

• Examples of similar work performed within the past five (5) years.

• Team members who will be assigned to MSU Denver and a brief statement of their qualifications.

• Brief description of campaign planning methodology and competitor research process.

• Brief description of creative development process using specific brand compliance.

• Brief description of the personnel who may be assigned to this account including project management and collaboration experience.

• Sample reporting dashboard or campaign report demonstrating KPIs, campaign insights, summaries, optimizations, etc.

• Pricing structure.

V. GENERAL CONDITIONS

5.1 The vendor agrees to comply with the letter and the spirit of all applicable state and federal laws respecting discrimination and unfair employment practices.

5.2 This Documented Quote does not obligate AHEC or MSU Denver to pay any costs incurred in the preparation or the submission of such quotes, or to purchase, or contract for materials, or services from such solicitation if not in the best interest of MSU Denver.

5.3 The quoted price shall be exclusive of any Federal or State Taxes from which MSU Denver is exempt.

5.4 ANTI-KICKBACK ACT of 1986. Vendor represents that they have not provided or attempted to provide any kickback to any employee or agent of AHEC or MSU Denver. All reports of possible kickback shall be submitted in writing to AHEC Procurement Services.

VI. COSTS

Costs must remain firm for 90 days from Documented Quote due date.

MSU Denver is allocating up to $120,000 for program-specific digital advertising.

The allocated amount above includes all service and production fees. MSU Denver requires a complete and detailed description of respondents’ billing process and policies.

Costs should clearly distinguish between professional service fees and paid media expenditures.

VII. EVALUATION

Quotes will be evaluated using the evaluation criteria below, and vendor's appropriateness and completeness of response requirements as outlined in this solicitation. AHEC will award, in whole or part, to the vendor(s) who is/are most responsive to MSU Denver's needs. MSU Denver reserves the right to reject any or all quotes.

7.1 Evaluation Criteria

The quotes that meet the minimum qualifications will then be evaluated on the following in no particular order:

• Relevant Experience – Demonstrated experience supporting higher education institutions or organizations of similar size and complexity, including the successful planning and execution of digital advertising campaigns for recruitment, enrollment, or comparable objectives.

• Strategic Approach and Methodology – The vendor's proposed approach to campaign planning, including audience and competitor research, messaging strategy, creative development, media planning, campaign optimization, and performance measurement.

• Personnel and Project Management – Qualifications, experience, and availability of the personnel assigned to MSU Denver's account, including the vendor's ability to provide responsive communication, project management, and ongoing collaboration throughout campaign execution.

• Reporting and Performance Optimization – The vendor's ability to implement campaign tracking, monitor performance, optimize campaigns throughout their duration, and provide clear, actionable reporting and recommendations.

• Cost and Overall Value – Reasonableness of proposed pricing in relation to the scope of services, quality of deliverables, demonstrated expertise, and overall value provided to the University.

7.2 Interviews

Following the initial evaluation of written quotes, MSU Denver may invite one or more of the highest-ranked vendor(s) to participate in a virtual interview or presentation.

The purpose of the brief interview is to allow vendors to further demonstrate their qualifications, discuss their proposed approach, introduce key personnel, and respond to questions from the evaluation committee. Interviews may also be used to clarify elements of the vendor's proposal.

Participation in an interview does not guarantee award and may be considered as part of the overall evaluation process. MSU Denver reserves the right to conduct interviews with all, some, or none of the responding vendors.

Interviews will be conducted remotely using Microsoft Teams.

VIII. W-9

MSU Denver requires a W-9 on file for every company it does business with. Please attach a completed W-9 (Attachment A) to your quote.

ATTACHMENT A

https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions

1 Name (as shown on your income tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank.

2 Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above.

3 Check appropriate box for federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1.

Check only ONE of the following seven boxes.

Individual/sole proprietor C Corporation S Corporation Partnership Trust/Estate

LLC - Single Member Limited Liability Company Limited Liability Company Limited Liability Company Filing as Sole Proprietor Filing as C-Corporation Filing as S-Corporation Filing as Partnership

Note: Check the appropriate box in the line above for the tax classification of the single-member owner.

Do NOT check LLC if the LLC is classified as a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner unless the owner of the LLC is another LLC that is NOT disregarded from the owner for U.S. federal tax purposes. Otherwise, a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner.

Other (see W-9 instructions)

4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals; see W-9 instructions):

Exempt payee code (if any): Exemption from FATCA reporting code (if any):

Provider of Medical Services? Yes No Provider of Legal Services? Yes No

5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) See W-9 instructions.

6 City, State, and ZIP code Requester's name and address MSU Denver - Accounts Payable

7 List account number(s) here (optional) Campus Box 98, PO Box 173362 Denver, CO 80217-3362

Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given Social Security Number (SSN) on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the Instructions for Part I in the instructions. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN).

If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN , in the instructions. Employer Identification Number (EIN) Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1.

Also see What Name and Number to give the requestor (in the W-9 instructions) for guidelines on whose number to enter.

Please complete Page 2 for voluntary Self-Certification of your Ownership Category and Businesses Characteristics. →

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

1 The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for number to be issued to me); and 2 I am NOT subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service

(IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest of dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and

3 I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined in the W-9 instructions); and 4 The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct.

Certifications instruction You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II.

The Internal Revenue Service does not require your consent to any provisions of this document other than the certifications required to avoid backup withholding. Go to: www.irs.gov/FormW9 for IRS instructions and the latest information.

Date

Substitute Form for IRS Rev. Oct 2018

Do NOT send to the IRS.

Send form securely to MSU Denver (online link below).MSUDenver Rev 02.02.22

Form W-9 Identification Number and Certification

Request for Taxpayer

Sign Here

Signature of U.S. person

(Applies to accounts maintained outside the U.S.)

Pr in t o r t yp e.

S ee

In st ru ct io ns

CertificationPart II

IRS Instructions may be found at:

or https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox

Submit Securely Online ↓ https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox https://secureshare.msudenver.edu/filedrop/securedropbox

. Organization Name: .

VOLUNTARY Business Characteristics and Category Self Certification

Business Characteristics (Mark X for all that apply)

Please select any appropriate characteristics for your business below. *Certification available

Alumni‐Owned Woman‐Owned* Asian‐Owned Worker‐Owned Black‐Owned Located in Colorado Disabled‐Owned (DOBE)* Benefits Offered: Health insurance to employees

Immigrant‐Owned Benefits Offered: Paid time off Latino‐Owned Environmentally sustainable practices used LGBTQBE‐Owned (LGBTBE)* Hire people with barriers to employment

Minority‐Owned* Pay a living wage Native American‐Owned Social Enterprise Refugee‐Owned Unionized workers Veteran‐Owned* Other Please provide details in the box below:

Business Size (# Full Time Employees)

1‐25 Employees 101‐250 Employees

26‐100 Employees Over 250 Employees

Certifications (Mark X for any certifications your company has.)

Small Business Information:

Small Business Concern (SBC):

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Woman‐Owned Small Business (WOSB)

HUBZone Small Business (HUB Zone) Veteran‐Owned Small Business (VOSB) SBA 8(a) and Small Business Mentor Service‐Disabled Veteran‐Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Protégé Program 8(a)

Large Business Concern (LBC):

Minority‐Owned Bus. Enterprise (MBE) Woman‐Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

Other Certifications: Provide details, below for any additional certifications (not listed above).

In an effort to help us understand and measure MSU Denver's diverse vendor relationships, you are invited to provide additional information about your company. We are reviewing levels of participation by women, minorities, small businesses, local businesses, and other impacted groups doing business with MSU Denver. Please provide the appropriate ownership category for your company, as well as any characteristics of your business you would like to share.

"Owned" in all context below means a business that is at least 51 percent owned by an individual(s) who also control(s) and operate(s) it. "Control" in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions. "Operate" means actively involved in the day‐to‐day management. If your business is jointly owned by both men and women, or is a large publicly held corporation, please check the box labeled "Other" and put "Not Applicable" in the details box.

A Small Business is a business that is organized for profit, is independently owned and operated and not dominant in their field of operation.

Rev 4/7/2022

Additional Descriptive Information

Worker‐Owned ‐ A company owned and controlled by the people who work there. This business type is often called a worker cooperative. Because it is self‐managed by the workers, it is usually a values‐driven business putting the workers and community at the core of their strategic objectives.

Alumni‐Owned ‐ A business owned by an alumna/alumnus of MSU Denver.

Disabled‐Owned ‐ (DOBE) A disability‐owned business enterprise is a for profit business that is at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by a person with a disability.

(From https://disabilityin.org/what‐we‐do/supplier‐diversity/)

Large Business Concern ‐ (LBE) An organization that exceeds the small business size code standards established by the SBA as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 13, Part 121.

LGBTQ‐Owned ‐ Be at least fifty‐one percent (51%) owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. (From https://www.nglcc.org/get‐certified)

Living Wage ‐ The minimum income needed to meet basic needs for an individual. The remuneration received for a standard workweek by a worker in a particular place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and her or his family. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, health care, transportation, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected events.

(From Globallivingwage.org)

Located in Colorado ‐ The business must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State.

Minority ‐ An individual who is a U.S. citizen with at lease one quarter of the following: Aftican‐American/Black, Asian‐Indian, Asian‐Pacific, Hispanid/Latin‐American, Native American.

(From https://nmsdc.org/mbes/what‐is‐an‐mbe/)

Minority‐Owned ‐ A business with at least 51% minority ownership and management of the day‐to‐day operations.

Social Enterprise ‐ A social enterprise is an organization or initiative that marries the social mission of a non‐profit or government program with the market‐driven approach of a business.

(From https://www.sbventures.org/social‐enterprise‐alliance) Typically they reinvest or donate profits for environmental or social change.

Small Business Concern ‐ (SBE) an organization that falls within the small business net worth and code standards established by the SBA as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 13, Part 121.

Veteran‐Owned ‐ At least 51% of the business must be directly and unconditionally owned by one or more Veteran(s) or Service‐disabled Veteran(s). (From https://www.va.gov/osdbu/verification/)

Woman‐Owned ‐ At least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens. Have women manage day‐to‐ day operations who also make long‐term decisions.

(From https://www.sba.gov/federal‐contracting/contracting‐assistance‐programs/women‐owned‐small‐business‐ federal‐contracting‐program#section‐header‐6)