ITN 25-02 Notice of Validation Meeting3.6.26.pdf

This is a Notice of Meeting for Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02 issued by the Florida Prepaid College Board, the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and ABLE United for comprehensive advertising, digital marketing, partnerships, and public relations services. The ITN 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 were required to submit full responses by January 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM (ET), with written requests for clarification due by December 4, 2025. The validation meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET via Microsoft Teams to validate the Evaluators' recommendation to move forward to the Negotiation Phase for each responsive reply. The resulting contracts will have an initial three-year term from 2026 through 2029, with potential for three additional one-year extensions. Current contracts expire on June 30, 2026.

Evaluation will be conducted using a 1,000-point system assessing organizational and strategic experience (400 points), work examples (400 points), and pricing schedule (200 points), with up to five respondents selected for the shortlist and up to two firms selected for award. 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. The combined marketing budgets for the Prepaid/Investment, ABLE United, and Foundation programs range from $22.5 million to $28.5 million annually, with services structured as retainer-based fees for core activities and additional passthrough or hourly rates for project-based work. Contractors must provide a designated Contract Manager to attend quarterly Board meetings and participate in monthly conference calls, with monthly invoicing subject to Board approval 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.