Appendix C - Request for Clarification.docx

Appendix C is a Request for Clarification form associated with Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02 issued by the Florida Prepaid College Board, a state agency located in Tallahassee, Florida. The ITN seeks comprehensive advertising, digital marketing, partnerships, and public relations services for three entities: the Florida Prepaid College Board, ABLE United, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. The solicitation is divided into two primary 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 Board intends to award contracts to up to two firms, with an initial three-year term from 2026 through 2029 and the potential for three additional one-year extensions. Current Board contracts expire on June 30, 2026. Services will be structured as retainer-based fees for core activities and additional passthrough or hourly rates for project-based work, with the combined marketing budgets for all programs ranging from $22.5 million to $28.5 million annually.

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 either $15 million in annual billings for advertising services or $5 million for public relations services. Evaluation will be conducted using a 1,000-point system across organizational and strategic experience (400 points), work examples (400 points), and pricing schedule (200 points), with detailed work examples required from January 1, 2022 onward. The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide a designated Contract Manager who will attend quarterly Board meetings, participate in monthly conference calls, and meet with executive leadership. The contract includes provisions for monthly invoicing, Board approval for expense accruals, and potential withholding of 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.