Appendix C - Request for Clarification.docx

This is a Request for Clarification form for Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02 issued by the Florida Prepaid College Board, a state entity located in Tallahassee, Florida, for comprehensive advertising, digital marketing, partnerships, and public relations services. The solicitation encompasses two primary service components: (1) Advertising and Creative Services, Digital Marketing, and Social Media Services, and (2) Public Relations, Partnerships, and Events. Respondents must submit written requests for clarification by December 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM (ET), with full responses due January 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM (ET). The resulting contracts will cover the Florida Prepaid College Board, ABLE United, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, with an initial three-year term from 2026 through 2029, and the potential for three additional one-year extensions. Up to two firms will be selected for award, with up to five respondents advancing to a shortlist. A designated Contract Manager from the awarded firm(s) will be required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participate in monthly conference calls, and meet with executive leadership.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in the financial services industry, maintain an active Florida business presence, and meet specific financial thresholds of $15 million in annual billings for advertising services or $5 million for public relations services. Evaluation will utilize a 1,000-point scoring system across organizational and strategic experience (400 points), work examples (400 points), and pricing schedule (200 points). Services are structured as retainer-based fees for core activities with additional passthrough or hourly rates for project-based work. The combined annual marketing budgets range from $22.5 million to $28.5 million. Contractors must invoice monthly with Board approval required for expense incurrals, and the Board may withhold up to 50 percent of invoices for nonperformance. Subcontractors require prior written Board approval, and broadcast media and print production charges must be supported by competitive bids from at least two companies unless otherwise approved. The solicitation contains no explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises.