ITN 25-02 Schedule Update.pdf

This is a procurement schedule update for Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02 issued by Leon County, Florida, through the Florida Prepaid College Board 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. The procurement will serve the Florida Prepaid College Board, ABLE United, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. The written request for clarification deadline is December 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM (ET), with responses due January 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM (ET). Response opening is scheduled for January 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM (ET). Evaluator scoring validation is set for March 11, 2026, followed by a negotiation period from March through May 2026 with associated negotiation voting. Notice of Intended Award is anticipated for April through June 2026, with an anticipated contract effective date of June through July 2026. The Board intends to award contracts to up to two firms with an initial three-year contract term from 2026 through 2029 and potential for three additional one-year extensions.

Respondents must possess a minimum of five years of experience in the financial services industry and maintain an active Florida business presence, with financial thresholds of $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). The combined marketing budgets for the three 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. The contract requires designated Contract Managers to attend quarterly Board meetings, participate in monthly conference calls, and meet with executive leadership. Provisions include monthly invoicing with Board approval for expense incurrals 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. The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises.